How to Find a Comfortable Sleeper Sofa
You've come to the right place if you're looking for a comfortable sleeper couch. We've curated our top picks, based on the quality, options for customization and (most importantly), comfort.
For our selection we spoke with home testers and experts such as Jennifer Stephan, owner at Muse Design Studio, Florida. We also took into account the size of the mattress when it's expanded as well as how easy it is to switch between couch and bed mode.
1. Comfortable Cushions
From childhood sleepovers to snoozing in the apartment of a friend, many of us have experienced the luxury of sleeping on a sofa bed that pulls out. Unfortunately, a majority of these are stiff, uncomfortable, or both. Thankfully, there are alternatives to this dreaded furniture. With a few simple tips you can get a sleeper sofa that's as comfortable to sit on as it is to lay down and sleep.
First, you should look for the sofa that has a comfortable mattress. Ideally, the mattress should be spring or memory foam rather than a futon. These materials last longer and provide more of a traditional feel than a thin mattress that is sagging. Look for cushions that are not too firm, but are soft and comfortable. While a cushion that is firmer may feel cozier at first, it could eventually cause back pain.
You should also think about the color and materials of the cushions as well as the ease of assembling and cleaning the sofa. You could even choose the sectional that converts into a queen-sized bed which is ideal for those who want to maximize space in their living room.
No matter what style you prefer, there's a sleeper sofa to suit your requirements. However, it can be difficult to track down the comfiest one. We put eight of the most comfortable sleeper sofas in the PEOPLE TEST snooze tests, comparing comfort and durability as well as the ease of assembly and cleaning. We also talked to industry experts to get their thoughts about what makes a comfortable sofa sleeper.
Check out our top picks, and prepare yourself for a cozy night's rest--and maybe a few more visits from your family and friends in the near future.
2. Sturdy Frame
If you're planning to make the investment of purchasing a sofa that has two uses you'll want it to last. Castagna suggests a frame made from furniture-grade plywood or hardwoods that have been kiln dried. This will guarantee that the sofa can stand up to a lot wear and tear and won't become damaged as time passes.
She also recommends paying attention to the size and quality of the mattress when selecting a sleeper couch. While traditional sofas typically come with uncomfortable, thin mattresses, modern designs feature thicker and more comfortable foam mattresses that are comparable to those of traditional beds. Our runner-up choice from Joybird, for example has a queen-sized mattress that folds out of the sofa, making it easy to put up and remove for overnight guests.
If space is a major concern, consider a futon sleeper that eliminates the necessity for a mattress by providing a flat sleeping surface that can be covered with sheets. Before buying a futon couch bed, it is important to measure the room, stairs and entrances.
A convertible sectional is a different option. It typically has an armchair, as well as a queen-sized bed which can be taken out from underneath the seat. It might require more effort to convert an existing couch into a bed, but the result is worth it if planning to host a large gathering of friends or family.
You may also want to consider a modern and sleek sleeper sofa that is custom-made. Numerous brands, including Rove Concepts and Anthropologie offer the option of customizing your options, which include fabric and color choices and a variety of sizes and types of mattresses, and the option of wooden leg finishes. This lets you customize the sofa to suit your personal style and budget.
The Dream Sofa Marseille Sofa Sleeper, for example, comes in a number of upholstery colors and fabrics, ranging from velvet to pet-friendly twill, and boucle. leather sleeper sofa 's also available in four different widths of wooden legs and layers of fills and foams that give you the ability to choose the level of comfort that suits your preferences. These options, however, will increase the overall cost and result in longer delivery times.
3. Easy to Assemble
A sofa sleeper could be an ideal choice for a multipurpose living space. It allows you transform your room from a cozy sitting area to a cozy guest bed at night. The problem is finding the right sofa bed in your space, and can pass through narrow doorways or hallways. There are numerous sofa beds that can be disassembled and assembled to fit the space you have.
The first step towards becoming a comfortable sofa sleeper is choosing the correct mattress. You'll want to consider the frequency of use and if you have specific needs for sleep, such as back support or motion isolation. The majority of sleeper couches include spring or memory foam mattress. Spring mattresses are a great choice for most people because they're durable and affordable. If you're looking for a softer and more luxurious choice go with memory foam that conforms to your body's shape and helps maintain proper spinal alignment.
After selecting your preferred mattress type, you should pick a sofa bed with an easy-to-pull-out mechanism that is easy to use. Look for the sofa with a simple, cloth handle on the side of the frame, which will assist you in lifting and releasing the mattress. If possible, you should also test the pull-out option in-store to see how it will work in your home.
The Avalon sleeper couch by Anthropologie is a chic option that comes in a range of upholstery fabrics. It can be customized to suit your preferences. This elegant sofa is available in a variety of upholstery fabrics and can be tailored to suit your needs. The Avalon has a hidden platform with a Queen-size mattress made of memory foam.
Another option that is comfortable is West Elm's Harmony sleeper sofa, which comes with a queen-size gel foam mattress and a modular design. The sleeper sofa is customized with different add-ons. It also features a seat that scored 2 on our firmness rating. It comes in a range of colors and fabrics, including the fad Boucle.
4. Easy to Clean
A sleeper sofa is a real workhorse for your home. It's a couch during the day, and a bed at night. So it needs to be comfortable and have a great mattress. It should be easy to switch between one mode and another. If it's difficult to change positions, you'll find yourself not utilizing the sleeper function as much as you could.

As with any piece of furniture, it's crucial to clean your sleeper sofa on a regular basis to keep it looking its best. Vacuuming regularly is a good method of getting rid of dust and other debris that tends to accumulate in corners. You can also employ a sponge or a cloth to clean any exposed surfaces of the sofa's frame, such as its legs.
You may want to wash your sleeper sofa more often if you have pets or children. Pet fur, crumbs, crumbs and other unpleasant substances can attract insects and mites which can be a nuisance to you and your guests. To avoid this, Mehas suggests cleaning your sofa every week and shampooing it twice a year.
Be aware that certain fabrics such as leather require more attention than other types. Leather can lose its shine and look dry if it's exposed to moisture for long durations of time. Therefore, it is recommended to restrict the amount of time your leather mattress is exposed to direct sunlight and keep it away from water sources.
If you're looking to find a comfortable sleeper sofa that is also easy to clean, you should consider an option that can be customized like the Dream Sofa Marseille Sofa Sleeper. This model lets you personalize almost every aspect of the couch, including dozens fabric options as well as four wood leg finishes, three mattress sizes. You can also pick from a variety of pillows and blankets that you can customize to create the perfect look for your living space. Modway Cagney Sofa Sleeper is an elegant design that is easy to clean and comes in many colors.