Sleepers & More 101

Snooze Like A Pro: Sleeper Mattress Secrets for Outrageously Restful Nights

Want to learn everything there is to know about sleeper sofa mattresses? We have answers to all the questions about sofa bed mattresses.

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What kind of mattress goes in a sleeper sofa?

When it comes to a sleeper sofa mattress, it's not exactly the same as traditional bed mattress. So what exactly is different about a sleeper sofa mattress? Well, the biggest difference is that they have to be much thinner than a traditional mattress because they need to fold up and stow away inside the sleeper mechanism. Picture a piece of paper folded into 3 parts... now picture a piece of cardboard folded into 3 parts and you should be seeing things more clearly.

So, are they as good as a traditional bed mattress?

  • Memory foam marvels: Many modern sleeper sofas come with memory foam mattresses. They mold to your body, ensuring dreamy comfort.
  • Coil comfort: Traditional innerspring mattresses offer a more familiar feel. They're supportive and bouncy, just like regular beds.
  • Air mattresses: Some sofa beds feature air mattresses, allowing you to adjust the firmness to your liking.
  • Gel infusion: Gel-infused mattresses keep you cool as you sleep – a blessing during those balmy nights.

The key? Match the mattress type to your preferences and the level of comfort you're after. It's all about making your sofa bed sleep as cozy as can be

Is innerspring or memory foam better for a sleeper sofa?

In the realm of sofa beds, there are generally two different mattress types to consider: innerspring or memory foam. When you hear the term "innerspring" you might be imagining individual bed coils like you'd find in a 1950s mattress. But that's actually not quite right! Innersprings use a sinuous spring system that weaves almost a net of springs across the width and length of the bed. So is that a good thing? Or is the increased price of a memory foam mattress worth it?

  • Cozy springiness: Innerspring mattresses have that classic bounce we're used to. They're supportive and can handle different sleep styles.
  • Memory foam magic: Memory foam molds to your body, providing personalized comfort and minimizing motion transfer. Perfect for undisturbed snoozes. Pro Tip: keep in mind that these mattresses still need to be thin enough to fold so the amount of memory foam on a given sleeper bed mattress may be a lot less than what you were expecting. This is normal!
  • The verdict: If you're into that traditional feel with a bit of bounce, go for innerspring. But if you want tailor-made comfort that cradles you, memory foam's your cozy buddy.

So, it's like choosing between classic rock and a modern hit – both have their charm, but the real star is your personal preference!

Another Pro Tip: remember that you can always get a mattress topper made from some sort of foam product (memory foam for example) and keep it in your linen closet so it doesn't have to stow away with the sleeper mattress inside the sofa. Food for thought!

How thick should a sofa mattress be for a sleeper?

While we'd all love a sleeper sectional couch to have as thick a mattress as possible, the laws of physics prevent it. A sleeper mattress has to be thin enough to fold away. But you also don't want one as thin as a pancake. Here's a look at standard sleeper mattress thickness.

  • Plump padding: Aim for at least 4 to 5 inches thickness. This gives a comfy buffer between you and the sofa's frame.
  • The sweet spot: Around 6 inches hits that cozy balance of comfort and ease of folding back into the sofa.
  • Luxurious 8 inches: For a plush experience, consider an 8-inch mattress. It's like a mini-bed hiding within your sofa!
  • Your zzz's, your call: Choose based on how much comfort you want and how frequently the sofa will be used as a bed.

It's a real balancing act when it comes to mattress thickness, but about 6 inches is a good size to aim for.

Is a sofa bed the same size as a double bed?

Shopping for a sofa bed can sometimes be confusing. That's because there are a million different terms you need to research. Especially when there are so many unique styles of convertible couches like the Friheten sleeper sofa from IKEA, which is somehow both a pull out couch, a daybed, a trundle bed, and a nifty grey futon all rolled into one. So if you just need to know whether a sofa bed is the same size as a double bed, then we've got your answer.

  • Diverse dimensions: Sofa beds come in various sizes, but a standard one is around the size of a double bed. However, it has a shorter depth / length of 72"
  • Sizing similarity: A double bed usually measures 54" in width and 75" in length whereas a typical full size sleeper mattress measures 52" in width by 72" in depth.
  • Sofa bed surprise: Keep in mind that sofa beds might have slightly different dimensions due to the sofa frame.

Now that you've got some clarity on the terms, we wish you a happy sleeper sofa shopping spree! That Ikea sectional sleeper awaits.

Are thicker mattresses softer? 

Common knowledge tells us that bigger is always better. But is it true when it comes to mattress thickness? So should you splurge on a sleeper sofa with a thick mattress? Let's find out.

  • Thickness temptation: Thicker mattresses aren't always softer—thickness doesn't guarantee plushness.
  • Softness factors: Mattress softness depends on materials like memory foam or pillow-top layers.
  • Balance matters: The right balance of support and comfort is key for a comfy sleep surface.
  • Personal preference: Some folks love the cloud-like feeling of a thicker mattress, but it's not the only way to get cozy.

Especially in the world of sleeper sofa mattresses, thickness doesn't always equal comfort. Even a 3 or 4 inch thick sleeper mattress can be surprisingly comfy.

How many inches of memory foam do I need?

Once again, more doesn't always mean better. At a certain point, more memory foam is simply taking up space rather than providing any additional comfort. So how much memory foam does a sleeper mattress really need?

  • Sweet spot sensation: Aim for memory foam with 2 to 3 inches for a comfortable balance.
  • Pressure point relief: This thickness helps contour to your body, relieving pressure points.
  • Sleep style matters: Side sleepers may lean towards 3 inches for extra cushioning, while back sleepers might find 2 inches sufficient.
  • Bed base influence: Consider your mattress base; platform beds might benefit from thicker memory foam.

Believe it or not, a mere 2-3 inches of memory foam can truly work wonders in delivering an exceptionally supportive and delightful sleeping experience.

Pro Tip: Don't forget that you have the option of purchasing a foam mattress topper, such as memory foam, and keeping it conveniently stored in your linen closet. This way, it won't have to be stowed away with the sleeper mattress inside the sofa.

What size bed is in a sleeper loveseat?

Squeezed on space but still need a sleeper sofa? If a loveseat is all you can fit, then you'll want to know how big of a mattress it comes with. Here's what you can expect from a sleeper loveseat.

  • Cozy quarters: Most sleeper loveseats feature a twin-size mattress, perfect for one person.
  • Snug sleepovers: Some designs offer a full-size mattress, accommodating two sleepers cozily.
  • Size and Ssace: Choose based on your space and how many guests you'll host.

Whether it's a solo slumber or a shared snooze, a sleeper loveseat caters to your resting needs!

How do you flip a sofa bed?

Many sleeper sofa mattresses are detached by default, which makes them a breeze to flip. But if you're struggling or not sure where to start, we'll walk you through the process.

  • Prep and clear: Remove pillows, sheets, and anything on the mattress.
  • Unlock the magic: If your sofa bed has a lock, release it to unfold.
  • The flip: Grasp the bed frame and gently lift it up, allowing the mattress to flip over.
  • Fold and tuck: If needed, fold the bed back into the sofa position, locking it in place.

There you have it! A nice, flipped mattress that's fresh and ready for your guests.

Can you put a thicker mattress on a sofa bed?

You can definitely add a thicker mattress to your sofa bed, but it might not always be the best idea. Pick something too thick and your sleeper sofa mechanism might end up looking like George Costanza's thick wallet on Seinfeld.

  • Measure it up: Check if your sofa bed frame can accommodate a thicker mattress.
  • Flexibility check: Ensure the sofa can still close properly without straining.
  • Heavenly comfort: A thicker mattress can add plushness, but test it to avoid discomfort when folding.
  • Custom job: Some sofa beds allow customization, so you might find one designed for thicker mattresses.

Just remember, a thicker mattress could make your sofa bed feel like a dreamy retreat, but make sure it fits like a glove!

How thick can a sleeper sofa mattress be?

There is a limit to how thick a sleeper mattress can be, and you definitely don't want to exceed it. So if you just snagged a Costco sofabed and want a mattress upgrade, here's what you need to know before you start shopping.

  • Optimal thickness: When it comes to sleeper sofa mattresses, a thickness of around 4 to 6 inches is generally recommended.
  • Space and functionality: Keep in mind the sofa bed's design and mechanics; a too-thick mattress might impede folding and closing.
  • Trade-off: While thicker mattresses can provide extra comfort, striking a balance between coziness and practicality is key.
  • Custom considerations: Some sleeper sofa models offer variations with thicker mattresses if space allows.

And there you have it! Everything you could possibly want to know about sofa bed mattresses, all in one convenient place. We'll hold for applause.

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Alex Back
Couch.com CEO & Founder
Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He has worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.
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