How to Find a Comfortable Sleeper Sofa
You've come to the right place in search of a comfortable sleeper couch. We've picked our top models that are based on their the quality, the customization options, and (most important) the comfort.
To compile our list, we analyzed insights from home testers and consulted experts like Jennifer Stephan, owner of Muse Design Studio in Florida. We also considered the size of the bed when it is expanded, as well as how easy it was to switch from couch mode to bed mode.
1. Comfortable Cushions

Most of us have had the pleasure of sleeping on a pullout sofa bed in the past, whether at a sleepover as a child or snoozing in your friend's home. Many of these designs are uncomfortable or stiff. There are alternatives to this unpopular furniture. There is furniture that is as comfortable to sit on and sleep on as it would be to lay down.
First, look for an appropriate sofa with a firm mattress. Ideally, the mattress should be spring or memory foam, rather than a futon. These materials last longer and provide more of a traditional feeling than a thinner mattress that is sagging. Also, look for soft, supportive cushions that aren't overly firm. While a firmer cushion might initially feel more comfortable however, it can lead to back pain.
You'll also need to think about the color and the material of the cushions as well as the ease of assembling and cleaning the sofa. You can select a sectional sofa that can be converted into a queen size bed. This is perfect for those who are looking to maximize space in their living room.
No matter what style you like, there's a sleeper sofa that will meet your preferences. It isn't easy to find the most comfortable one. We put eight of the most comfortable sleeper sofas in the PEOPLE TEST snooze tests, comparing the comfort and durability and ease of assembly and cleanup. We also talked to experts from the industry for further insight on what makes an ideal sleeper sofa.
Find our top picks and get ready to enjoy a comfortable night's rest. Maybe even a few visits from friends and family.
2. Sturdy Frame
If you're going to make the purchase of a sofa that has two uses, you want it to last. Castagna suggests looking for solid frames constructed of kiln dried hardwoods or furniture-grade plywood. This ensures that the sofa will endure the rigors of daily use and doesn't get damaged over time.
She also suggests paying attention to the mattress quality and size when picking the sleeper sofa. While traditional sofas typically feature thin, uncomfortable 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 instance it comes with a queen-sized mattress that folds out of the sofa, making it easy to put up and remove for overnight guests.
Think about a futon bed if space is an issue. It eliminates the need for mattresses by providing a flat surface that is covered with sheets. Before purchasing a futon couch bed, you must take measurements of the rooms as well as the entrances and stairs.
A convertible sectional is another option. It typically has an armchair, as well as a queen-sized bed that can be taken out from underneath the seat. It might require more effort to transform the couch into a bed, but the outcome is worth it if you're planning to host a large gathering of friends or family.
Lastly, you may think about a custom-made sleeper sofa for an elegant and contemporary style. Numerous brands, such as Rove Concepts and Anthropologie, offer custom options, such as colors and fabrics, a range of mattress sizes and types and the option of wood leg finishes. This lets you customize the sofa to fit your style and budget.
The Dream Sofa Marseille Sofa Sleeper, for example, comes with a range of upholstery fabrics and colors, ranging from pet-friendly twill to velvet and Boucle. It also comes in four different dimensions of wooden legs and layers of fills and foams. This gives you the flexibility to select a level of comfort that is suitable for your needs. These modifications add to the price and lengthen delivery times.
3. Easy to Assemble
A sofa-sleeper is an excellent option for a space that can be used for multiple purposes. It allows you to turn your room into a cozy sitting area during the day, and a comfortable bed for guests in the evening. The challenge is choosing the right sofa bed to fit in your space, and can pass through narrow doorways or hallways. There are a variety of sofa beds that can be disassembled and assembled to suit your space.
The first step to creating a comfortable sofa bed is choosing the right mattress. You should consider the frequency you'll use it and if you've got any specific needs for sleep, such as back support or motion isolation. Most sleeper sofas will include a spring or memory foam mattress. Spring mattresses are a great option for most people because they are durable and cost-effective. If you're looking for a softer, more luxurious option, opt for memory foam that adjusts to the shape of your body and promotes the proper alignment of your spine.
After you've decided on the type of mattress you want, it's important to select a sofa sleeper with an easy-to-use pull-out mechanism. It is recommended to look for an item with an upholstered handle on one side of the frame. This will make it easier to lift and unload the mattress. It's also a good idea to test the pull-out mechanism in a store prior to buying if you can, so you can gain an idea of how smoothly and seamlessly it will work in your home.
If you're looking for a sofa that appears stunning even when it's in sleep mode as it does when reclining and relaxing, look into Anthropologie's Avalon sleeper sofa. This sofa is a stylish option that is available with a wide selection of upholstery fabrics, and can be customized to fit your needs. The Avalon has an under-the-bed platform that has a Queen-size mattress made of memory foam.
Another option that is comfortable is West Elm's Harmony sleeper sofa, which has a queen-sized gel foam mattress and a modular design. The Harmony sleeper sofa is reversible with different add-ons and features the seat cushion, which has a rating of 2 on our scale of firmness. It's available in a variety of colors and styles of upholstery and styles, including the boucle style that is popular.
4. Easy to Clean
A sleeper sofa is a great option to add to your home. It's a couch by day and a bed at night, which is why it needs to be comfortable to sit on and have a decent mattress to rest on. It should be easy to switch between one mode and another. If it's difficult to switch modes, you won't utilize the sleeper feature as much as you could.
It is essential to clean the sleeper sofa regularly, as with any other furniture piece. Dust and debris can build up in corners, so it's recommended to use vacuum cleaners regularly to get rid of any debris that have accumulated. It's also recommended to wipe down any surfaces that are exposed on the frame of the sofa such as the legs, with a cloth or sponge.
If you have pets or children you may want to clean your sleeper sofa regularly. Food crumbs, pet fur and other undesirable substances can attract insects and mites, which may be annoying to guests and you. Mehas recommends that you vacuum your sofa every week and wash it twice each year.
It's also important to remember that certain fabrics, such as leather, require a bit more maintenance than others. Leather can lose its luster and look dry if it's exposed to water for prolonged periods of time, which is why you should reduce the amount of time your leather sleeper is in direct sunlight. You should also keep it away from water sources.
If you're looking for a comfy sleeper that is also easy to clean, look into a customizable option like the Dream Sofa Marseille Sofa Sleeper. This model lets you customize nearly every aspect of the sofa, which includes dozens of fabric options and four wood leg finishes and three mattress sizes. You can also pick from a variety of customizable pillows and blankets to make the perfect appearance for your living room. Modway Cagney Sofa Sleeper is an elegant design that is easy to clean, and comes in many colors.