Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Sleeper Sofa Mattress more Comfortable That Won’t Make You Lose Sleep!

Whether you’re taking a break from your bed, or just need an extra sleeping spot for guests, a sleeper sofa is a great solution. Unfortunately, sleeper sofas are notorious for metal bars being felt through the mattress as well as becoming saggy quite quickly.

Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide to build a sleeper sofa support board that will cover the metal bars, as well as add firmness to the mattress and prevent it from sagging.

Materials Needed:

• Plywood cut to size
• Measuring tape
• Sandpaper
• Wood glue
• Clamps
• Screws
  

Step 1: Measure the Size of Your Sofa Bed

The first step in making a sofa bed mattress support is to measure the size of your sofa bed. The support board doesn’t have to cover the full length of the sofa bed. Usually, 48 inches in length is more than enough, as that will cover the area where the most weight lays, which is also the area where the horizontal metal bars are located.
What you do need to measure though, is the width of the sofa bed. If you have a standard-sized sofa bed, most likely your width will be close to 36’’ (Twin Size), 48’’ (Full Size), or 60’’ (Queen Size). The width is measured from metal bar to metal bar - the board is supposed to sit between the bars, but NOT on top of them.

Step 2: Buy the plywood panel

Next, buy the right plywood panel and have it cut to size. If you can’t have it cut to size, you can also cut it yourself with a utility knife.

Step 3: Sand the Board

Once the board is cut to size, use sandpaper to smooth any rough spots on the surface of the board. This will help prevent any damage to the mattress when you use the sleeper sofa support board.
Alternatively, you can also cover the board in fabric - but that’s a little more complicated and requires sewing.

Step 4: Attach the Board to the Sofa Bed

Now it’s time to attach the board to the sofa bed. Place the board on top of the extended sofa bed underneath the mattress and make sure it fits securely.

Step 5: Test the Support Board

Now that your sofa bed mattress support is in place, test it to make sure it’s providing the necessary support. Lie on the bed and see if it feels comfortable and supportive. See if you can still feel the metal bars nagging through the mattress. If everything feels good, you’re done!

If DIY is not your thing or you would like to buy something ready-to-use, go and check out our Sofa Bed Support Boards. 

They come ready to use and our different sizes cover most standard sofa beds. If you’re unsure which one to choose, we’re happy to help you out!