How to Find a Comfortable Sleeper Sofa

You've come to right place to find an easy sleeper couch. We've curated our top picks that are based on their quality, customization options and (most important), comfort.

To come up with our list we spoke with home testers as well as experts like Jennifer Stephan, owner at Muse Design Studio, Florida. We also looked at the size of the bed when it's extended, and how easy it was to change from couch mode to bed mode.

1. Comfortable Cushions

Many of us have been a part of a pull-out sofa bed regardless of whether it was at an overnight sleepover as a kid or in snoozing in snoozing your friend's house. Unfortunately, many of these are uncomfortable, stiff or both. There are alternatives to this dismal furniture. With a few easy steps you can have a sleeper sofa that's just as comfortable to sit on as it is to lay down and sleep.

Look for a sofa with an appropriate mattress. The ideal mattress would be memory foam or spring instead of a futon. These types of mattresses last longer and provide more of a traditional feel than a mattress that is sagging. Also be sure to choose cushions that are soft and supportive, but aren't overly firm. A firmer cushion might be more comfortable initially, but it can cause back pain.

You'll also need to consider the color and materials of the cushions as well as the ease of assembly and cleaning the sofa. You can also opt for a sectional that transforms into a queen-sized bed which is a great option for those looking to maximize space in their living room.

Whatever style you prefer there's a sleeper couch to suit your needs. It isn't easy to find the most comfortable one. To help you out, we tested eight of the most comfortable sleeper sofas to the PEOPLE Tested snooze test testing their comfort, durability, and ease of assembly and cleaning. We also spoke with industry experts to get their opinion on what makes a comfy sofa sleeper.

Find out more about our top picks, then prepare yourself for the comforts of a warm night's sleep, and perhaps a few more visits from family and friends in the near future.

2. Sturdy Frame

If you're planning to invest in a dual-use sofa, you want to be sure that it will last. Castagna suggests an extremely sturdy frame constructed of kiln dried hardwoods or furniture-grade plywood. This ensures that the sofa will be able to endure many years of use and won't be damaged over time.

She also advises paying particular attention to the mattress's quality and size when picking a sleeper sofa. Mid-Century Modern Gray Sofa Bed - Convertible Folding designs have thicker, more comfortable foam mattresses than traditional beds. Our runner-up choice from Joybird has a queen-sized bed that folds out of a sofa, making it easy to set up for guests staying overnight.

If space is an issue, consider a futon sleeper that eliminates the necessity for a mattress by providing a flat bed that can be covered with sheets. Before buying a futon couch bed, it is important to make measurements of the rooms as well as the entrances and stairs.

Another alternative to think about is a convertible sectional, which typically includes the chaise as well as a queen-sized mattress that slides out from underneath the seat. Although it will require a bit more effort to convert from couch to bed, the end result is worth it if you're hosting a group of family or friends.

You might also think about a sleek and modern cheap sleeper sofas sofa that can be made to order. Numerous brands like Rove Concepts or Anthropologie offer customizable options. These include colors and fabrics as well as mattress sizes and types as well as wooden leg finishes. This allows you to personalize the sofa to fit your personal style and budget.

The Dream Sofa Marseille Sofa full sleeper sofa is one example. It's available in a variety of upholstery colors and fabrics, ranging from velvet to pet-friendly twill and Boucle. It's also available in four different wooden leg widths and layers of fills and foams which allow you the ability to choose a level of comfort that suits your needs. These options, however, can increase the cost and result in longer delivery times.

3. Easy to Assemble

A sofa sleeper could be a great option for a living space that can be used in multiple ways. It lets you transform your living space from a relaxing sitting space to a cozy guest bed at night. The challenge could arise when you choose the right sofa sleeper to be a good fit and fit through narrow doors or narrow hallways. There are a variety of sofa beds that can be disassembled and reassembled to fit your space.

The first step towards becoming a comfortable sofa sleeper is selecting the correct mattress. Take into consideration how often you use it and if you have any particular needs you have such as motion separation or back support. Most sleeper sofas will include a spring or memory foam mattress. Spring mattresses are a great choice for most people because they are durable and affordable. If you're looking for a softer and more luxurious choice, opt for memory foam that conforms to your body's shape and promotes the proper alignment of your spine.

Once you've selected your preferred type of mattress, it's important to select a sofa sleeper with an easy to use pull-out mechanism. You should look for an item with an upholstered handle on one side of the frame. This will help you to lift and lower the mattress. If you can, also try the pull-out feature at a store to determine how it will work in your home.

If you're looking for a sofa that looks stunning even when it's in sleep mode as it does when it's reclining and relaxing, look into Anthropologie's Avalon sleeper sofa. The stylish sofa comes in a variety of upholstery materials and can be tailored according to your personal preferences. The Avalon comes with a hidden platform with a queen-sized mattress made of memory foam.

Another option that is comfortable is West Elm's Harmony sleeper sofa, which comes with a queen-size gel foam mattress and modular design. The sleeper sofa can be customized using various add-ons. It also features a seat that scored 2 on our rating for firmness. It is available in a variety of fabrics and colors including the popular Boucle.

4. Easy to Clean

A sleeper sofa is a fantastic option to add to your home. It's a sofa during the day, and it's a bed at night. So it needs to be comfortable and have a good mattress. It should be easy to switch between one mode and another. If it's difficult to switch positions, you'll find yourself not using the sleeper feature in the way you should.

It is important to clean the sleeper sofa on a regular basis as with any other furniture piece. Vacuuming regularly is a good way to remove dust and other debris that can collect in corners. You can also make use of a sponge or cloth to clean the surfaces of the sofa's frame, like its legs.

It is possible to wash your sleeper sofa more frequently when you have pets or children. Pet fur and crumbs can attract mites and insects, which are annoying for both you and your guests. This is why Mehas suggests vacuuming your sofa weekly and shampooing it about twice a year.

Keep in mind that certain fabrics, such as leather require more maintenance than other kinds. Leather can look dry and dull if exposed to moisture over the course of a long time. It is recommended to limit the time you leave your leather sleeping bag in direct sunlight and keep it away from any sources of water.

If you're looking to find a comfortable sleeper sofa that's also easy to clean, consider choosing a customizable option like the Dream Sofa Marseille Sofa Sleeper. This model allows you to modify almost every aspect of the sofa, including numerous fabric options, four wooden leg finishes and three sizes of mattress. You can also pick from a wide variety of pillows and blankets that can be customized to make the perfect appearance for your living space. Modway Cagney Sofa Sleeper is an elegant design that is easy to clean, and comes in many colors.