How to Find a Comfortable Sleeper Sofa

You’ve come to right place in search of an easy modular sleeper sofa couch. We’ve compiled our top picks based on their quality, customizable options and (most importantly) the 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 dimensions of the mattress when it’s expanded, as well as the ease of it to switch between bed and couch mode.

1. Comfortable Cushions

From sleepovers in the childhood to sleeping in your friend’s apartment, most of us have had the pleasure of sleeping on a pull-out sofa bed. Unfortunately, many of these models are stiff, uncomfortable, or both. However, there are alternatives to this dreaded furniture. There is a sofa that is as comfortable to sit and sleep on as it would be to lie down.

Find an item with a mattress that is supportive. The ideal mattress would be memory foam or spring rather than a futon sleeper sofa. These materials tend to last longer and feel more like a traditional sofa sleeper couch rather than a thin, sagging mattress. Look for cushions that aren’t too hard, but that are soft and comfortable. While a cushion with more firmness may initially feel more comfortable however, it can lead to back pain.

You’ll also need to consider the color and the material of the cushions as well as the ease of assembling and cleaning the sofa. You can even opt for an ottoman that can be transformed into a queen-size bed, which is ideal for those who want to make the most of their living room.

No matter what style you like there’s a sleeper sofa to suit your needs. It isn’t easy to find the most comfortable one. To assist you we tested eight of the most comfortable sleeper sofas to the PEOPLE Tested snooze test, testing their comfort, durability, and the ease of assembly and cleaning. We also consulted industry experts for more information on what makes a comfortable sleeper sofa.

Read on to discover our top picks, then prepare for the comforts of a warm night’s sleep, and perhaps some more visits from your friends and family in the near future.

2. Sturdy Frame

If you are going to purchase a sofa that can be used for both purposes you must be sure that it will last. Castagna suggests looking for a frame made from furniture-grade plywood or hardwoods that have been dried in a kiln. This will ensure that the sofa can endure many years of use and won’t be damaged over time.

She also suggests paying attention to the mattress quality and size when choosing sleeper sofa bed sofas. While traditional sofas typically come with uncomfortable, thin mattresses, modern designs feature thicker and more comfortable foam mattresses that are comparable to the traditional ones. Our runner-up choice from Joybird offers a queen-sized bed that folds up from a sofa, making it simpler to put up for overnight guests.

You should consider a futon bed in case space is a problem. It eliminates the requirement for mattresses because it provides a flat surface that can be covered with sheets. Before buying a futon sofa bed, it is important to make measurements of the rooms, stairs and entrances.

Another alternative to think about is a convertible small sectional sleeper sofa which usually has the chaise as well as a queen-sized mattress that slides out from underneath the seat. It might take more effort to convert an existing couch into a bed, but the outcome is worth it if planning to host a large number of family or friends.

Finally, you might think about a custom-made sleeper sofa with modern and sleek design. Numerous brands, such as Rove Concepts and Anthropologie offer custom options, such as fabric and color choices as well as a variety of mattress sizes and types, and a choice of wooden leg finishes. This lets you personalize your sofa to fit your style and budget.

The Dream Sofa Marseille Sofa Sleeper is a good example. It comes in a number of upholstery fabrics and colors, ranging from velvet to pet-friendly twill and boucle. It’s also available in four different wooden leg widths and layers of foams and fills, which give you the option of choosing the level of comfort that meets your preferences. These options add to the price and increase the time to delivery.

3. Easy to Assemble

A sofa-sleeper is a great option for a space that can be used for multiple purposes. It lets you transform your room into a cozy seating area by day and into a comfy bed for guests in the evening. The trick is to choose a sofa bed that fits in your space, and can fit through narrow hallways or doors. There are plenty of options for sofa beds that can be put together and disassembled easily to accommodate your space and fit through standard-size doors.

The first step to becoming a comfortable sofa bed is to choose the best mattress. Think about how often you’ll use it and if there are any particular needs you have such as back support or motion separation. Most sleeper sofas will include either a memory foam or spring mattress. Mattresses made of spring are a great choice for most people because they are durable and affordable. Memory foam is a luxurious and soft option that is shaped to the body’s shape and promotes an ideal spine alignment.

When you have decided on your mattress, pick a sofa bed with a pull-out mechanism that is easy to use. Look for an option that has a simple, cloth handle that is attached to the side of the frame to assist you in lifting and releasing the mattress. If possible, you should also test the pull-out option in-store to determine how it will work in your home.

If you’re looking for a sofa that looks like it’s beautiful even when in sleep mode as it does when it’s reclined and relaxing, look into Anthropologie’s Avalon sleeper sofa. This elegant sofa is available in a variety of upholstery materials and can be tailored to suit your needs. The Avalon has an unintentionally concealed platform that houses a queen-sized mattress constructed of memory foam.

West Elm’s Harmony Sleeper Sofa is a comfortable option. It comes with a queen-sized Gel Foam Mattress and an adjustable design. This sleeper sofa can be customized by adding different accessories. It also has a seat that scored 2 on our rating for firmness. It comes in a range of fabrics and colors including the popular Boucle.

4. Easy to Clean

A sleeper sofa is a fantastic addition to your home. It’s a sofa during the day, and a bed at night. So it needs to be comfortable and have a good mattress. However, it must be easy to change from one mode to another. If it’s difficult to change between modes, then you won’t be able to use the sleeper feature as often as you could.

As with any piece of furniture, it’s crucial to keep your sleeper sofa clean to ensure it looks its best. Cleaning it regularly is a great method of getting rid of dust and debris that tends to build up in corners. It’s also an excellent idea to wipe down any exposed surfaces on the frame of the sofa such as the legs, with sponges or a cloth.

You may want to wash your sleeper sofa regularly in the case of children or pets. Snack crumbs and pet fur can attract mites and insects which can be a nuisance for you and your guests. Mehas suggests that you clean your sofa every week and shampoo it at least twice each year.

It’s also important to note that certain fabrics, such as leather, require a little more care than other fabrics. Leather may appear dry and dull if it is exposed to moisture for an extended period of time. It is recommended to limit the time you leave your leather sleeper in direct sunlight, and keep it out of any water sources.

If you want a comfortable sleeper that is also easy to clean, then consider a customizable option such as the Dream Sofa Marseille Sofa Sleeper. The model lets you customize almost every aspect of the couch, including dozens fabric options, four wood leg finishes, three mattress sizes. Plus, you can choose from a variety of pillows and blankets that can be customized to create the perfect look for your living room. Modway Cagney Sofa Sleeper is a minimalist design that is easy to clean, and comes in a variety of colors.