Sleeper sofa mattresses are a great way to make sure you’re prepared to host guests overnight without sacrificing space in your home. However, sometimes the default mattress included with the sleeper sofa is cheap and uncomfortable, and even good ones wear out over time.
Sleeper sofa mattresses are easily replaced, as long as the replacement mattress is the same size. They must have the correct height and width to fit on the frame and the correct thickness to allow it to fold into the couch completely.
Replacing your mattress can seem daunting, especially if you’re unable to see it in person because you’re purchasing it online. Don’t stress! Stay here to find out everything you need to know about whether or not you can replace your sleeper sofa mattress.
Replacing a Sleeper Sofa Mattress
Yes, you most certainly can replace a sleeper sofa mattress. But, you do need to plan and measure carefully to make sure that the new mattress will still work on your sleeper sofa. There are a lot of moving parts, so an ill-fitting replacement is not an option.
A sleeper sofa mattress is not like a regular bed mattress in that a thicker mattress is usually better. The mattress has to be able to fold right back into the sofa. Otherwise, it’s not all that useful.
As long as you follow these guidelines, you should have no problem purchasing a mattress that fits your sleeper sofa, as well as your tastes.
- Measure the height and width of the frame. Make sure to measure the frame, not the mattress, as mattresses often change size with age.
- Measure the thickness of the mattress to make sure your new mattress will be able to fold into your sleeper couch.
- Make sure the mattress is of high quality. It can be tempting to skimp on price, but cheaper mattresses don’t last as long as better ones. This can end up costing you more money in the long run.
That’s it! Since the mattress rests on the frame, you don’t have to worry about compatibility when selecting a mattress. As long as it’s the correct size, it should be fine. That being said, there are some other considerations to take into consideration when purchasing a new folding mattress.
What to Consider When Replacing Your Sleeper Sofa Mattress
In addition to the steps above, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when you do decide it’s time to swap out sleeper sofa mattresses.
- Mattress material
- Mattress covers
- Mattress thickness
- Disposing of your old sleeper sofa mattress
Mattress Material
The material a mattress is made is the single most important consideration when choosing any mattress, and it’s no different for sleeper sofa mattresses. Memory foam is more durable and more comfortable than polyurethane foam, but this is usually reflected in the cost.
Latex mattresses are also an option if you prefer a very firm mattress, but might not be to the taste of any given guest you are entertaining. Unless you keep extensive tabs on your guests’ sleeping preferences, a sleeper sofa mattress intended for guests is probably better off using a material that’s more middle-of-the-road such as foam.
Sleeper sofa mattresses that use innerspring are generally not recommended. Folding mattresses must be thinner than standard mattresses to fit inside sleeper sofas, putting less padding between you (or your unfortunate guest) and the metal springs.
Mattress Covers
You want to look out for two things regarding mattress covers, the first being the quality of material used. While the quality of a sleeper sofa mattress’s cover won’t do a great deal to affect how comfortable it is, it will affect its longevity.
The mattress cover’s job is to protect your mattress, so you want to make sure that it is made of a material that won’t fray or tear easily.
The second consideration is whether or not the cover is removable. So mattress covers are stitched onto the mattress. This can be convenient if you intend to travel with your folding mattress, but it also prevents you from washing it. As a result, if you expect your mattress to be used frequently, you want to make sure to purchase a folding mattress with a removable cover.
Mattress Thickness
The thickness of the mattress is important when considering whether it can fit into your sleeper sofa, but it also plays an important role in comfort. The thicker a mattress is, the more room it has for padding between your guest and the sleeper sofa mattress frame. That being said, the standard folding mattress is 4.5 inches thick.
If you want something thicker (for comfort) or thinner (to fit in a very small sleeper sofa), you may have to make a custom order, as these sizes are rarely available even online. As a result, a thicker mattress may make the difference in comfort, but you have to consider how much trouble you’re willing to go to to get one.
Disposing of Your Sleeper Sofa Mattress
Great! Now that you’re all up to speed on how to acquire the perfect new mattress, you’re probably wondering what to do with your old mattress. Mattresses are large, bulky, and heavy, making them difficult to dispose of properly. That being said, you have several options.
Donating your Sleeper Sofa Mattress
If you are replacing your mattress as a matter of personal preference, and not because it is worn out or soiled, donating it to somebody who needs it is an ethical and eco-friendly way of getting rid of it.
Many organizations that accept these sorts of donations are locally based, but some of the bigger ones include Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, and most religious organizations.
Remember, somebody is going to be using this mattress. Please don’t donate your mattress if it is stained, infested, or otherwise in a state of disrepair.
Recycling Your Sleeper Sofa Mattress
If you can’t find an organization to accept your mattress, or if your mattress is too damaged to donate, recycling is an option. Earth 911 has an exhaustive list of recycling centers that accept mattresses. Additionally, many of these centers have their websites where you can find out their hours, their policies for accepting mattresses, and whether there will be a fee.
It’s important to avoid trashing mattresses if possible, as according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, they are both impossible to incinerate and bulky to landfill.
As a result, the environmental impact of throwing unwanted mattresses in a landfill is staggering. Recycling your sleeper sofa mattress is the most responsible way to dispose of it should you be unable to donate it, and it has never been easier!
Throwing Out Your Sleeper Sofa Mattress
To be clear, this is the least reliable method of disposing of a mattress, but sometimes it’s your only option. In that case, throwing out a sleeper sofa mattress can be as easy as leaving it on the curb with your other garbage, but it’s not always that simple.
Always look up your local ordinances to make sure your mattress will be accepted by waste management and avoid a possible fine.
Private waste management companies are also an option, but depending on which ones are closest to you, they can be expensive. However, suppose you have other difficult to dispose of garbage lying around, such as broken furniture. In that case, a private waste management company can be a convenient option for clearing up space stress-free.
Finally, check if the company you’re purchasing your new mattress from offers any disposal service. Many will accept your old mattress for a fee, and some even take it away for free!