Are Pull-Out Couches Comfortable?

Whether you live in a studio apartment or have overnight guests, pull-out couches can be very useful. They serve double duty, allowing for seating and sleeping. They can also look great. It seems the only complaint we hear about pull-out couches is their comfort.

So, are pull-out couches comfortable? With the right mattress, pull-out couches can be as comfortable as a regular bed. Pair it with some other touches and you can have one of the most comfortable night of sleep you’ve ever had. 

We’ll run down what makes a pull-out couch comfortable, as well as the best ones we’ve found. Read below to find all the answers to all your questions about comfortable pull-out couches.

What Makes A Comfortable Pull-Out Couch?

There are a few things that are important in a pull-out couch, but none so important as the mattress. Remember that you don’t have to stay with the mattress included in your pull-out couch. If it’s old or uncomfortable, you can purchase a replacement mattress that is fresh and comfy. 

On a typical pull-out couch, you remove the cushions and pull the mattress and frame up and out to form a bed. Add some pillows and sheets and you have a ready-to-go bed in under a couple of minutes. 

As easy as it is to prepare, though, once you lay down, you’re going to want a restful sleep. Especially if a pull-out couch is your primary sleeping mode, it’s important you choose the right mattress. Here are our top picks for mattresses:

1. Classic Brands 4.5” Memory Foam Mattress
2. SleepMaster 5” Gel Memory Foam Mattress
3. DynastyMattress 4.5” Gel Memory Foam Mattress
4. Milliard 4.5” Memory Foam Replacement Mattress
5. Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Replacement Mattress

1.Classic Brands 4.5” Memory Foam Mattress

Classic Brands started off selling water beds and morphed into producing and selling memory foam mattresses. Foam mattresses work great in a pull-out couch since they retain their shape even when folded into the sofa bed.

This particular mattress has two layers of foam, with the bottom one providing support and the top one offering comfort. It’s also dust and mite resistant. It comes in various sizes to suit your needs:

• Twin
• Full
• Queen

The mattress is composed of memory foam and high-density poly foam for orthopedic support.  The cover material is stretch knit, a comfortable fabric. It’s a solid choice for a pull-out couch. 

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. SleepMaster 5” Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Offered in queen size, this mattress features gel memory foam, a cool alternative to memory foam alone. It’s designed to wick the heat away from your body while you sleep, giving you a more restful slumber. 

The size is thicker than any other on our list, coming in a full five inches. At this height, it might be a tight fit for your couch, but it can be squeezed in. Once fitted in your couch, it offers you or your guests an extra 1/2 to 1 inch of foam padding. It’s four inches of foam topped with one inch of cool gel foam. That can make a lot of difference when you’re trying to sleep. 

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. DynastyMattress 4.5” Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Offered in two sizes, full and queen, this popular mattress has 2 inches of gel foam on top with a 2.5 inch bottom of denser foam. This gives you support on the bottom layer with more comfort on the top layer. The gel foam keeps the heat away from your body while you sleep. 

This mattress is very versatile. The main purpose is to use it with a pull-out couch but you could also use it with:

• Bunk bed
• RV
• Camping
• Futon
• Dorm Room

It’s light enough to move around but thick enough to be comfortable. 

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4. Milliard 4.5” Memory Foam Replacement Mattress

This quality mattress has a 3-inch firm polyurethane base with a 1.5 inch foam memory topping. It has a zippered mattress cover that is removable and washable, which is a really nice feature. If you have pets that like to lounge on the bed with you or guests with less than stellar hygiene, you know what we mean. 

It comes in one size – queen – and weighs about 30 pounds, fully expanded. Like most of the mattresses we reviewed, it ships rolled up and vacuum sealed, and you need a space so it can expand for 24 to 72 hours. It’s highly rated and one of our favorites. 

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Replacement Mattress

Like regular mattresses or mattress tops, regular memory foam can get too hot for some people to sleep comfortably. Classic Brands offers a cool gel memory foam to draw heat away from sleepers. 

It features a 2.5 inch layer of dense foam at the bottom for support and a 2 inch layer of memory foam infused with gel on the top. It is offered in three sizes:

• Twin
• Full
• Queen

The firmness on this mattress is in the medium range. It’s plush but it offers plenty of support for your back. It also comes with a 3-year warranty. It’s a little heavier than other mattresses for pull-out couches, coming in at over 33 pounds. 

This is a good replacement mattress for older pull-out couches.

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Pull-Out Couches

Now that we’ve gone over the most important part of a pull-out couch, it’s time to talk about the couch itself. The best pull-out couches are not only comfortable but stylish. They add flair to a home while doing double-duty as a bed. If you’re in the market for a pull-out couch, these are our picks for the best on the market today:

1. Signature Design by Ashley – Darcy Contemporary Sleeper Sofa
2. Signature Sleep Devon Sleeper Sofa
3. Signature Design by Ashley – Nemoli Queen Sofa Sleeper
4. Novogratz Brittany Sleeper Sofa

1. Signature Design by Ashley – Darcy Contemporary Sleeper Sofa

The Darcy Contemporary is a good-looking, curly couch. It’s offered in 9 colors, including:

• Black
• Blue
• Cafe
• Cobblestone
• Mocha
• Salsa
• Sky
• Steel
• Stone

Beyond being a pull-out couch, it has pillow top armrests and loose back pillows. It’s good for a tight fit and only offers a full-size mattress. 

As much as we loved this design, we weren’t thrilled with the inner spring mattress. It would be best paired with a memory or gel foam replacement mattress, such as the ones listed above. 

2. Signature Sleep Devon Sleeper Sofa

This pull-out couch, available in full size, has a mid-century style tufted back with wide track arms. It comes in the following colors:

• Gray Linen
• Blue Linen
• Black Faux Leather

This couch offers a memory foam mattress. This boasts a Memoir memory foam and is 3 inches high. It has a retro 70’s feel to us and is comfortable as both a couch and a bed. 

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Signature Design by Ashley – Nemoli Queen Sofa Sleeper

This pull-out couch by Ashley is one of the best we’ve seen. It has soft chenille upholstery with gently flared armrests. It’s featured in a modern brown color and is a very nice looking couch.

One of the best features of this pull-out couch is the memory foam mattress encased in it. At 4 inches, it’s very comfortable, compared to most of the mattresses that come pre-installed in a pull-out couch. This may be our favorite of the pull-out couches, simply for the comfort.

4. Novogratz Brittany Sleeper Sofa

The Brittany Sleeper Sofa has a ribbed tufted backrest and features a 3 inch memory foam mattress inside. It’s a larger pull-out couch, offering a queen mattress. It’s offered in the following colors:

• Gray
• Green
• Mustard
• Navy Blue
• Dark Gray
• Light Blue
• Light Gray
• Orange
• Pink

This pull-out couch manages to evoke an earlier era while, at the same time, appearing completely modern. We love the choice of colors and it’s a great addition to your living room or a bonus room. It’s lightweight and stylish.

From a purely aesthetic viewpoint, this was our favorite pull-out couch. The mattress is not as thick as we would like, being only 3 inches, but it’s not uncomfortable.

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Benefits of a Pull-Out Couch

If you’re thinking of a pull-out couch, you should know all the benefits of owning one. Because of their multiple functionalities, they’re a popular choice for many people. 

• Great for studio apartments
• Excellent for dorm rooms
• Good for guest bedrooms
• Can transform into a bed in moments

Pull-out couches can maximize space in small apartments or living rooms. They offer a great place to sit and watch tv at the end of the day and then a great place to sleep after the tv is off. 

Before You Buy

Before you buy a pull-out couch, there are some items you should consider:

1. Price
2. Comfort
3. Construction
4. Size
5. Upholstery

1. Price  

Price depends entirely on your budget. Pull-out couches come at all prices, depending on your needs. Before determining the price, think about how you will use the couch. Will it be your main sleeping space? Do you have frequent guests? If so, you may want to spend extra on a high quality pull-out couch. However, if the answer is no, you may opt for a more cost efficient pull-out couch.  

2. Comfort 

Most pull-out couches are far more comfortable than they were when they were first introduced years ago. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do all you can to ensure the maximum comfort. Spend the extra money to get a foam mattress in your pull-out couch rather than an inner spring mattress. You’ll thank us later.

Inner spring mattresses have coils and metal springs that can poke up out of the mattress to keep you awake at night. If you have no choice but to accept an inner-spring mattress, try to get a foam mattress top. You can find them at a good price and it will increase your comfort level. 

Some pull-out couches offer a version of an air mattress, one you can blow up right before you sleep. In our experience, these can leak over time and will cause you to end up sleeping on the wire frame. We recommend sticking with a foam mattress.

3. Construction 

You need a sturdy frame on your pull-out couch. You also need it to be functional. Here’s what you should look for in a pull-out couch:

• Steel or wooden frame
• Smooth edges so it won’t tear fabric
• Minimum weight support of 200 to 300 pounds

We recommend you opt for a wooden or steel frame for the most support because they’re the sturdiest and can take the most weight. Smooth edges will ensure neither you nor your guests get cut on the inner workings of the bed. 

4. Size 

Size will depend entirely on how much room you have to spare. It also depends on who’s sleeping on it and whether they are tall or large. While not common, you can get a twin or king size pull-out couch if you have the need. Full and Queen sizes are most common.

We recommend you measure the area in which you’re going to place the pull-out couch. Make sure you have enough room, not only for width but also when it is fully extended. The standard couch length is 6 to 8 feet, so you will want to make sure there are no obstacles in the way of the bed. 

5. Upholstery 

When picking a pull-out couch, always look at the upholstery. You will have to use this as a couch too, and you need to make sure it’s a suitable fabric for your skin. Think about what could be easy to clean and also what is not too warm.

For instance, leather or faux leather looks great but can also make you sweat on a hot summer day. Velvet is nice and luxurious but is hard to clean. Linen and cotton feel great to the touch and stay cool even in warm weather.

Other Types of Convertible Furniture

Although we are dealing primarily with the traditional type of pull-out couch, in which you actually pull the mattress out of the couch, there are other types of furniture that convert into beds. Depending on your space and needs, you may want to check these out:

1. Futon

Futon is a Japanese word that meant a cushion filled with leaves. It was made of three parts:

• Thin cotton pad
• Three folding pad that sits under the thin cotton pad
• Comforter on top of the folding pad

The first futons were handcrafted by Japanese craftspeople and used by a variety of people for sleeping purposes. Since then, the traditional Japanese futons have morphed into a Western Style futon, which we are all familiar with today. Today, a futon is generally referred to as a couch that can convert into a bed. 

It differs from a pull-out couch in that, in a futon, the mattress used for sitting during the day is also used for sleeping at night. 

Below are our favorite futons:

DHP 8-Inch Futon

This futon has an 8-inch mattress, which provides a lot of comfort, as well as looking stylish in any room. It comes in a chocolate color with a microfiber mattress cover.

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Classic Brands Black 8 Inch Futon Mattress

We really like the 8-inch mattress on a futon. This one has a polyester microfiber covering 7 inches of wrapped coil innerspring with 1 inch of a fiber topping.

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Kodiak Lodge Futon

This futon features great construction and offers three positions, including lounge and sleep. It’s very durable and should last a long time.

Futons are designed to be used as regular bedding so you could use this in a studio apartment as well as for guests.

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

2. Sleeper Chair

Sleeper chairs are becoming more and more popular with consumers. It’s sometimes referred to as the little cousin of the pull-out couch. It works well in small spaces and does double duty as a chair and a twin bed. It’s perfect for one person but too small for two. There are different types of sleeper chairs:

• Pull-Out Sleeper Chair – This chair is the most common of the sleeper chairs. You can easily spread and fold this chair.
• Loveseat Set Sleeper Chair – This is a wide loveseat that can be converted into a sleeper chair for an extra wide twin bed. 
• Camping Armchairs – This is an inflatable sleeper chair that you can fold out for sleeping. 
• Fold Out Sleeper Chair – As the name implies, you just lay this chair back and it turns into a bed. You use the existing cushions.

As with every piece of furniture that converts into a bed, you need to take a look at the cushions or mattress on a sleeper chair before you buy to make sure it is comfortable enough for you to rest. Some of our favorites are listed below:

Magshion Futon Furniture Sleeper Chair

We love this sleeper chair for a kid’s room. It’s basically a huge piece of foam padding that you can unfold into a bed. It’s a trifold design.

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Hornall Recliner Chair

The sturdy construction on this model puts it at one of our faves. It’s a leather recliner that folds all the way back into a bed. It’s also very affordable.

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Elogoog New Blue Folding Sleeper

This model takes up so little space, it’s incredible. It’s a modern design, with a pillow included, that can convert easily into a bed. All you need are sheets. 

If you live alone, or in a dorm room, consider a sleeper chair. They take up very little room and some of them are surprisingly comfortable. 

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Daybed

A daybed is basically a twin bed with three sides, giving it the appearance of a couch. A daybed is the size of a twin bed. At the end of the day, you simply use it as a bed. We found our favorite daybeds below:

Zinus Eden Twin Daybed and Trundle Set

We like this set because it’s two beds in one. Put a skirt and blanket on it and it looks like a deep couch. At night, you can remove the skirt, pull out the trundle bed, and have two twin size beds. It holds mattresses up to 9.5 inches.

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

DHP Victoria Daybed

We chose this daybed because it’s full size, rather than the traditional twin size. It makes for a very deep couch but a more comfortable bed. 

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Giantex Wooden Daybed

We chose this bed because of the sturdiness. With a solid wooden construction and the thick mattress, this daybed can support even your heaviest guest. It has wooden slats for support and not metal bars, leading to better comfort.

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Daybeds are functional and stylish. They are a great accessory for kid’s rooms or a guest room.

4. Power Open Chair 

Sometimes you need some help getting out of a deep chair or bed. This is where the power open chairs shine. They use a motor to push the chair into a semi-prone position, allowing you to easily step out of it on to the floor without harm. While not technically beds, you can sleep in these and many people do. Our faves are below:

Signature Design by Ashley Yandel

This is an oversized recliner that, with the push of a button, can ease you back and elevate your legs or ease you back on to the floor.

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Urred Electric Power Lift Recliner Chair

This chair has all the bells and whistles you need. Not only will it recline you and ease you back up, but it also comes with massage and heat vibration. You may get in and never want to get out.

Last update on 2023-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Ergoreal Power Lift Recliner

This is a great power lift chair for the elderly. Not only will it lift you back on your feet but it has a USB port, heat and massage. 

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Power Open Chairs are great for the elderly or recuperating. Sometimes it’s tough to get out of bed. These chairs make it easy to rest and easy to get back up again.

Pull-Out Couch Accessories

To make a pull-out couch the most comfortable you can, try adding some accessories that optimize the experience. There are many to choose from, including:

1. Bar Shield
2. Pillows
3. Sheets

1. Bar Shield

Every pull-out couch has a frame that supports the mattress. These have bars or springs so that the mattress doesn’t fall through the couch. Sometimes even foam mattresses can’t disguise the feeling of the bar poking you in the back.

If you experience this, it might be time for a bar or bed shield. A bar shield is a foldable board, usually made of wood and covered with vinyl. This will supply a firmer support for your mattress but keep you from feeling the bar or springs that hold it in place. 

The best thing about a bar shield is that it folds in place with the pull-out couch, allowing for easy storage. You have to be careful to choose a couch that will be deep enough for a foam mattress and a bar shield.

2. Pillows

Pillows are one of the greatest parts of sleep comfort. Best of all, there are all types for every type of preference. For your couch, why not choose throw pillows that can double as sleeping pillows for you or your guests? Our picks are below:

• Pillow Inserts by Ancava– These allow you to choose your own covering to match your furnishings and best of all, they’re soft and hypoallergenic. 
• Bananas Luxury Faux Fur Throw Pillows – These are super soft and incredibly cute. They come in different colors, including:

• Gray
• Purple
• Light Brown
• Pearl White
• Light Green
• Red
• Yellow

• Top Final Decorative Throw Pillow Covers – Pair these with an insert. They’re made of soft velvet particles and come in a variety of colors. 
• AmazonBasics 2-pack Linen Style Throw Pillows – These are 100% polyester and comes in a variety of colors.

3. Sheets

Sheets can make for a comfortable sleeping experience or they can make for an awful night. That makes choosing the right sheets for your pull-out couch an important aspect of your comfort.

You’re probably not looking to spend a lot on a Mulberry silk sheet set, but several affordable, high-thread count sheets are available. These are some of our favorites:

• Shilucheng Queen Size 6 piece bed sheets – This has an 1800 thread count and 16 inch deep pockets. It is made of microfiber fabric and is affordable.
• California Design Den 600 thread count sheets – These are 100% cotton sheets with a 600 thread count. They come in a variety of 17 colors.
• Thread Spread 1000 thread count 4 pc sheet set – Made of 100% Egyptian cotton, this 4 piece set has a sateen weave and 18 inches of deep pockets.
• EliteHomeProducts Satin sheet set – These satin sheets are featured in five sizes, from twin to California king. It has deep pockets and is incredibly soft.
• Rolux Linen Queen sleeper sofa bed sheet set – These sheets are made for a pull-out couch and they fit up to 6 inches of mattress. It has an 800 thread count of 100% Egyptian cotton and fits anywhere from a twin to a queen mattress. 

The Final Word

All of the above should be taken into account when you purchase a pull-out couch. Since it is dual functionality, you want to make sure it’s comfortable to sit on as well as sleep in. Remember that mattress is the most important factor and choose accordingly.