That dip in your sofa bed isn’t just a small eyesore. It’s a comfort killer.
Sofa beds can start to sag over time with regular use. Frames loosen, cushions lose shape, and the mattress can slowly give way, all of which chip away at your comfort.
Key Takeaways
- A sagging sofa bed can often be saved with simple fixes like adding a mattress topper, replacing worn foam, tightening bolts, or reinforcing the frame.
- Regular care, such as rotating the mattress, keeping the upholstery clean, and avoiding excess weight, helps prevent sagging and extends your sofa bed’s lifespan.
- When the frame cracks, the mattress sinks beyond repair, or comfort never returns, it’s time to replace it with a quality pull-out or fold-out sofa bed built for lasting comfort and support.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple, practical fixes to bring your sofa bed back to life.
From refreshing tired cushions to tightening loose parts, we’ll cover what you can do at home without special tools and help you know when it’s time for a full replacement.
Jump to a section:
- How to Fix a Sagging Sofa Bed
- How to Prevent Sofa Beds from Sagging
- Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Sofa Bed
- Where to Buy a New Sofa Bed?
- FAQs
How to Fix a Sagging Sofa Bed
A sagging sofa bed doesn’t always mean it’s beyond saving. Sometimes, a quick tweak or a small replacement can make a world of difference.
Here are simple solutions to the most common problems that cause your sofa bed to lose its shape and support:
Add Padding to a Sinking Sofa Bed Mattress
That sinking feeling when you sit or lie down usually means the mattress has lost its firmness or the support beneath it has weakened.
Constant folding, nightly use, or thin cushioning can flatten even a good sofa bed over time.
Fortunately, you can restore comfort without replacing the entire setup right away.
How to do it:
Adding a quality mattress topper to your sofa bed can smooth out lumps and dips while adding comfort.
Choose a 3–5 cm thick memory foam or latex blend that fills the sag without making the frame hard to fold.
Fix Sagging Couch with Extra Foam
Flat cushions usually mean the inner foam has softened or lost height. The fix is simple if your covers unzip and the inserts slide out cleanly.
Start by giving each cushion a good fluff to loosen compacted fill and check whether the problem is the foam itself or the support beneath.
How to do it:
Measure each cover seam to seam and replace the inner foam with a high-density option cut to size. Wrap it in a thin layer of fibre or batting for a smooth finish, then slide it back in snug so it looks plump but not overstuffed.
Note: If DIY isn’t your thing, an upholsterer can re-stuff the cushions for you and match the firmness across every seat so the whole sofa feels balanced again.
Depending on what your upholsterer charges, though, the cost can add up quickly.
If that’s the case, it might be worth checking out current sofa bed sales instead, where you could find a new piece that’s more comfortable and built to last.
Repair Broken or Stuck Mechanism
Fixing a stuck sofa bed mechanism usually starts with clearing out whatever’s blocking it and loosening up stiff joints.
Over time, fabric can bunch between hinges, screws can slip out of place, or dry metal parts can grind against each other, leaving the frame jammed halfway or refusing to budge at all.
How to do it:
Remove all cushions and bedding, then slowly fold and unfold the mechanism to spot where it’s catching. Check for trapped fabric, bent hinges, or bolts that have worked loose.
Apply a small amount of silicone or WD-40 lubricant to moving joints and pivot points, wiping away the excess to prevent stains.
If the frame still feels uneven, gently realign any crooked arms or rails before tightening everything back into place.
Upgrade the Frame
If your sofa bed still dips or wobbles even after padding and cushion fixes, the frame likely needs a little extra strength.
Over time, screws loosen, bars bend, or slats shift under repeated folding. These small changes can make the whole bed feel uneven and unstable, especially through the middle where most of the weight sits.
How to do it:
Flip the sofa bed carefully and check for any loose bolts or bent rails. Tighten everything you can reach, then inspect the crossbars and slats for cracks or warping.
For metal frames, reinforce weak joints with L-brackets or new bolts, making sure all parts line up straight before securing them.
If those don’t do it, add a sheet of plywood cut to size across the base for extra support, or install a few wooden slats between the existing ones to spread weight evenly.
Wash the Upholstery
A clean sofa bed doesn’t just look better, it feels fresher and lasts longer.
Everyday spills can sink into the fabric, making it smell or lose its colour. Regular cleaning can help restore that just-bought feel and stop odours before they settle in.
How to do it:
Start by vacuuming every corner, seam, and fold just like you would when cleaning a mattress. For stains or odours, blot gently with mild soapy water or fabric cleaner, then sprinkle baking soda to absorb any lingering smells before vacuuming.
Wash removable covers on a gentle cycle and air dry them to keep their shape, or call in a professional for deep cleaning if the fabric looks tired.
How to Prevent Sofa Beds from Sagging
Prevention is much easier than repairing a sag later. A few small habits can keep your sofa bed feeling supportive and looking fresh for years.
1. Rotate and flip the mattress
Just like a regular bed, rotate and flip your sofa bed mattress every few months to spread pressure evenly and prevent soft spots.
If your sofa bed model isn’t built for flipping or rotation, try sitting or sleeping on a different side of the sofa bed.
2. Keep it clean
Vacuum cushions, seams, and mattress surfaces regularly to lift dirt and crumbs that wear down the fabric and foam. Spot-clean stains right away with mild soap and water to prevent them from setting.
3. Tighten and lubricate parts
Check the frame and mechanism every few months for loose screws or stiff hinges.
Tighten what you can and apply a small amount of silicone spray to keep it folding smoothly.
4. Avoid overloading the frame
Too much weight or constant jumping can strain the springs and joints. Stick to the sofa bed’s weight limit and remind kids it’s not a trampoline.
5. Use protective covers
Slipcovers or even mattress protectors help prevent stains, scratches, and early fabric wear. They’re easy to wash and can make your sofa bed look new for much longer.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Sofa Bed
Sometimes, even after every repair and patch-up, a sofa bed just can’t bounce back. Years of folding, sitting, and sleeping can wear out the frame, flatten the cushions, and stretch the fabric past recovery.
Here are the signs it’s time to say goodbye to your sofa bed:
- The frame creaks, shifts, or shows visible cracks.
- The mattress sags more than a few centimetres in the centre or you can feel the bars underneath.
- The upholstery feels rough, smells musty, or tears easily.
- Repairs or replacement parts cost nearly as much as buying a new sofa bed.
- Guests (or you) wake up sore or complain about discomfort after sleeping on it.
Even with regular care, most sofa bed mattresses last about five years, and a great brand will often back that up with a similar warranty.
If yours has outlived that period, upgrading isn’t just about appearances, it’s about restoring comfort and long-term support.
Where to Buy a New Sofa Bed?
When your old sofa bed has had its run, it’s worth finding one that feels as good as it looks.
You can buy your next one from Ecosa. Our sofa beds are made for real homes, from compact single seaters to spacious king or 3.5-seater models with strong frames, supportive cushions, and easy-care covers.
We’ve got a range of styles to suit how you live, including woven fabric finishes, smart storage options, and both pull-out and fold-out designs that transform from sofa to bed in seconds. And if your current sofa bed just needs a little boost, our mattress toppers add the extra comfort you’re after without a full replacement.
FAQs
1. Can a sagging sofa be repaired?
Yes, in most cases a sagging sofa bed can be repaired.
You can add padding, replace worn foam, tighten loose parts, or reinforce the frame to bring back support. If the damage runs deeper though, a new sofa bed may be required.
2. Can you replace the mattress on a sofa bed?
Yes, most sofa bed mattresses can be replaced. Just make sure the new one matches the frame size and folding style.
Ecosa also offers mattress toppers that can give your existing mattress a fresh layer of comfort without replacing it entirely.
3. How to repair a sagging couch with non-removable cushions?
If the cushions can’t be removed, try adding support from underneath instead. Place a piece of firm foam, plywood, or a cushion support board between the seat deck and the cushions to lift and even out the surface. Regular fluffing and rotating also help maintain their shape over time.