Sofa beds are versatile, practical, and compact but they are not the most comfortable sleeping surfaces.
That’s why it’s a good idea to pair your futon with a high-quality mattress topper.
How to choose a mattress topper for a sofa bed is the tricky part.
We’ve got you covered! Find out what makes a mattress topper great for your pull-out sofa bed and how to pick the right one.
What Is a Sofa Bed Mattress Topper?
A mattress topper for a sofa bed works just like it does for mattresses—it can adjust the feel of your sleeping surface to your preferences, improving sleep quality and quantity.
It is one of the best and easiest ways to make your sofa bed more comfortable and prolong its lifespan.
When Should You Use a Mattress Topper on a Sofa Bed?
Here are the most common reasons why a sofa bed might feel uncomfortable and in need of an extra layer of padding.
For more ways to make a sofa bed comfier, check out our detailed guide.
- My sofa bed cushions are too thin
If you find that the surface of your sofa bed doesn’t provide enough cushioning, consider investing in a soft and thicker couch topper. Most mattress toppers in Australia are between 3 and 7 centimetres thick, so opt for one that is at least 5 cm deep to get optimal comfort and support.
In terms of material, try a feather/down or memory foam topper—these are among the softest and comfiest materials.
- My sofa bed has a metal frame
Although the highest-rated sofa beds in Australia rest on a wooden frame, there are some products that use a metal construction which may be squeaky and uncomfortable to sleep on. This is because the sofa bed mattress is too thin to provide sufficient padding, so you feel the metal bars on your back.
Looking for the best mattress topper for your bed? Here is our selection of the top seven in Australia.
A thicker mattress topper should do the trick here as it will drown out the noise and cover up any metal bars that may be causing discomfort.
- My sofa bed is too hot
The majority of sofa beds on the market are upholstered and contain polyester padding. Combine that with warm Australian nights and you have the perfect recipe for hot, restless sleep.
A latex mattress topper would be the best solution—latex is naturally cooling and breathable and it is responsive which means you won’t sink into the mattress pad and feel even hotter. Keep in mind that latex is a bit more expensive than memory foam, but if you are a hot sleeper, the investment is more than worth it.
Also, try a thinner mattress topper—it might make the bed feel a bit firmer, but it retains less heat than a thicker mattress pad.
- My sofa bed cushion feel too saggy
Sofa bed cushions experience a lot of wear and tear over time since you use them for seating and sleeping, so they might sag a bit.
If you feel like you need more support, take a look at a sofa bed mattress topper that comes with zoned orthopaedic support or ones made of latex or memory foam that can provide adequate pressure relief where you need it most.
How to Choose the Best Mattress Topper for a Sofa Bed in Australia
Here are the key considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress topper for your futon.
1. Size
Mattress toppers in Australia usually come in the following sizes:
Mattress toppers are designed to fit most beds but not all sofa beds. This means that you need to measure your couch or sofa bed mattress carefully before buying a mattress topper.
- 92 cm x 188 cm: Single
- 107cm x 203cm: King Single
- 138cm x 188cm: Double
- 153cm x 203cm: Queen
- 183cm x 203cm: King
- 203cm x 203cm: Super King
If you are unsure you can get the correct measurement, contact the manufacturer or check their website for the most accurate dimensions.
2. Material
Mattress toppers come in a variety of materials—from cushioning memory foam to temperature-regulating down/feather toppers.
Here is a list of materials and their pros and cons.
3. Thickness
As mentioned above most mattress toppers are between 3 to 7 centimetres thick. If you want a firmer sleeping surface, look for a topper 3 to 5 cm thick, whereas a thicker mattress topper of 7 cm or more is better suited to sleepers who need more cushioning.
4. Ease of use
Since you won’t be using the mattress topper at all times, you need a product that can be rolled up for easy storage.
How to properly store a mattress topper?
Once you clean or wash it, make sure to carefully roll it up. Avoidu folding it as this might damage the cushion and lead to the formation of wrinkles and cracks, especially if it is kept in storage for a longer period of time. Be sure to keep it in a dry, cool place.
Speaking of cleaning, look for mattress toppers that have a removable cover or can go in the wash. As sofa beds are mostly used in kids or guest rooms, chances are your mattress topper will see its fair share of stains and spills, which means easy maintenance is a must.
5. Price
You can find mattress toppers in Australia for as low as $60 or as high as $500.
The cost will depend on the topper’s size, material, and thickness. A basic foam topper of around $100 would suit just fine if you’re on a budget. If you’re willing to spend more, you might want to consider a latex or wool topper.
Bottom Line
It’s important to remember that a mattress topper is not a magical solution that will fix an old sofa bed. However, if your futon is feeling a bit uncomfortable and saggy or does not provide adequate support, a mattress topper can be a convenient and inexpensive solution to those issues.
1. What can I put on top of my sofa bed?
This depends mostly on the type of bed you have, but in general, you can put a mattress topper and mattress protector over the couch. If you want to make the sofa bed more inviting, consider using some high-end bed sheets or throw pillows—it will also make the transition from lounge to sleeping surface smoother.
2. What size are most sofa bed mattresses?
Most sofa bed mattresses are Doubles, while some may even pull out into a Queen, although these are quite rare and usually more expensive.
3. How thick of a mattress can you put on a sofa bed?
This depends on the type of sofa bed you have. A mattress for a fold-out couch is usually 22.5 cm thick, while you may find some brands with a mattress as thick as 25 cm.
4. Can you put fitted sheets over the mattress topper?
Yes, fitted sheets add some luxury and cosiness to an otherwise regular sofa bed. Just make sure you buy sheets with deeper pockets that will completely cover the sofa bed mattress.
5. How to choose a mattress topper for a sofa bed that is older than ten years?
Most sofa beds last for about ten years, depending on how often you use them. If your sofa bed is older than that, consider investing in a new one as a mattress topper can provide some comfort, but can’t make the couch feel as good as new.
