The Best Sleeper Sofa Mattress Is Backed by Thousands of 5-Star Amazon Reviews

This story was part of Sofa Week, our seven-day stretch of, you guessed it, sofas. After years spent styling, sitting on, and searching for the best of the best—from bespoke designs to rare under-$500 gems—we’re compiling our couch knowledge in one comfy spot.

When it comes to even the best sleeper sofas, we must often settle for two out of the three preferred couch characteristics: style, affordability, and comfort. Discerning looks and price points are fairly straightforward, but comfort can be elusive—especially when shopping online. Sleeper sofa mattresses might not immediately come to mind as a targeted search term on your pull-out couch journey, as most options on the market already come equipped with a mattress. But here’s why it should.

Perhaps you invested in a sleeper sofa long ago and love the frame—but the mattress not so much. Maybe you’ve picked up a used option and are, ahem, not interested in sleeping on someone else’s mattress. Or you might have in-laws who visit regularly and your current couch bed unfurls with more than a few lumps. The frequency of use, health issues, and material preference all could factor into your decision to invest in something new. Our research in the somewhat limited space bubbled three strong options to the surface. Below, shop our top picks for the best sleeper sofa mattresses.

Our Favorite Sleeper Sofa Mattresses 

• Best overall: Milliard 4.5-Inch Memory Foam Mattress 
• Best value: Dynasty Mattress 4-Inch Gel Memory Foam Cooling Mattress
• Best splurge: Leggett & Platt AirDream Hypoallergenic Inflatable Mattress

Best Overall: Milliard 4.5-Inch Memory Foam Mattress 

With nearly 4,500 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, the Milliard memory foam mattress is our overall pick for a sleeper sofa replacement. The plush-to-medium firmness is universally pleasing, and it comes in both a full and queen size; plus the 4.5-inch height should be compatible with most sleeper sofa brands.

One reviewer notes they needed “to replace the mattress in our 1980s sofa. This is a great item. It’s very comfortable. We don’t feel the springs through it like we did the old one.” Several others echoed the sentiment, with some even adding that they were skeptical of the short height but were blown away by how cozy it is. Sizing has been the only issue, so make sure to measure the frame apparatus so that it matches that of the mattress. 

Best Value: Dynasty Mattress 4-Inch Gel Memory Foam Cooling Mattress

This medium-firm mattress is a half inch shorter than our overall pick, but it’s also more affordable and adds cooling properties to the mix. The cover is made from silk and polyester, which covers 2 inches of cooling gel and 2 inches of breathable memory foam. It’s also CertiPUR-US certified and works in spots other than a sleeper sofa; think: boats, RVs, and other types of camper setups. Shipping is free and quick—the brand says that the average is three business days for the lower 48. You’ll also get a 30-year limited warranty included on all mattresses.

Reviewers continually remark about the top-notch customer service, and price also comes up. “Great value for the cost,” says one shopper. “Fantastic mattress! Definitely worth the price,” another adds.

Best Splurge: Leggett & Platt AirDream Hypoallergenic Inflatable Mattress

If you’ve never considered an air mattress for your sleeper sofa, think again. Leggett & Platt’s AirDream is just that—pull it out, plug in the included handheld electric pump, and inflate it over the top coils. Whereas most sleeper sofa mattresses measure to a height of 4 to 5 inches, you get a whopping 11 inches over half an inch of innerspring with the AirDream.

Review after review describes the mattress as “comfortable”, “a quality product,” “amazing,” and “the best mattress you can sleep on with any sleeper sofas.” Some reviewers say if a mattress has arrived and it doesn’t hold air, customer service has been quick to replace it thanks to a three-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. But aren’t a guest’s comments always the make-it-or-break-it when it comes to sleepers? “Everyone raves about how comfortable this mattress is,” a satisfied shopper writes.

Our Favorite Sleeper Sofa Mattress Toppers

If you’re not ready to invest in a full-on makeover for your sofa bed, try a topper or pad instead. Many of these may be able to stay on when the mattress is folded away, but some might require to be added once pulled out. There’s memory foam, down alternative, and even cooling options to choose from here.

Our Shopping Checklist 

Mattress Height

The standard height of a sofa mattress is 4.5 inches. If yours clocks in anywhere between 4 and 5 inches, you should be set with 4.5. Go too thin and you might end up feeling the frame beneath you; too high and you’ll risk being able to fold things back into place when not in use. The AirDream is an exception to the rule here—thanks to the use of air that can be deflated, you can have your cake and eat it, too.

Material 

In this category, you’re getting either memory foam, innerspring, or, in some cases, air with sleeper sofa mattresses. Our pick for the category is foam; look for layers of different types, like a combination of cooling gel and memory foam, as well as a removable cover you can wash.  

Ask Domino

Q: Do sleeper sofas need a special mattress?

While they aren’t special per se, you do need a short mattress where sleeper sofas are concerned. As noted above, look for something that’s between 4.5 and 5 inches and you should be good to go. 

Q: What are the best sleeper sofas brands?

Well, that’s subjective, but we have opinions. The most important aspects of a sleeper sofa are the frame, conversion mechanism, and mattress—all wrapped up in a good-looking design. If you’re here, you’re ISO a solution for the third point, but if you want something new altogether, here’s where to start. Our favorite brands right now include Sixpenny, ABC Home, and Article.