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Can a sofa mattress be comfortable?

10 czerwca 2023
Sofa mattress, sleeping on a sofa, sleeper sofa
Mattresses for sofas are something we encounter most often in small apartments, especially in studio flats. It is precisely there that the living room often serves as a bedroom as well. It is important, therefore, to choose a sofa mattress that allows us to sit on it during the day. However, this should not be done at the expense of comfort and health.

There is an opinion that mattresses designed for beds are not suitable for use on sofas or pull-out couches. However, it is difficult to agree with this opinion because they do not have any worthy alternative. Although daily moving of a sleeping mattress can be problematic, such a mattress remains the best option.
Sofa mattress, surface mattresses, bed toppers

Should one sleep on a sofa?

Comfortable sofas are an integral part of many living rooms and often serve as an additional sleeping space. There is nothing wrong with that as long as the sofa is only used for sleeping occasionally. But should you really sleep on a sofa? Is this seemingly attractive option truly beneficial for your health and sleep quality? Not necessarily.

The first factor to consider is ergonomics. Sofas are primarily designed for comfortable sitting. As a result, they usually do not meet the standards suitable for sleep. Often, they lack proper support for the spine, which can lead to incorrect body positioning during sleep. Consequently, after sleeping on a sofa, you may experience discomfort such as back pain or muscle stiffness.

Another important aspect is the quality of the sofa. Most often, they are filled with closed-cell foams, which can be soft or firm, but they are not elastic. Additionally, they quickly lose their shape, and their structure does not allow air circulation. Such materials do not provide adequate body support, which can lead to discomfort and sleep disturbances. The lack of spinal support can result in excessive muscle tension and even mental tension.

Furthermore, sofas are usually not designed for body temperature regulation. Many of them retain heat and do not provide adequate airflow, which can lead to excessive sweating and an unhealthy microclimate during sleep. This, in turn, negatively affects sleep quality and depth, leading to more frequent waking up at night.

It is worth noting that sofas are often exposed to contaminants, including dust, mites, or other allergens, which can have a negative impact on health. The lack of proper ventilation and difficulties in maintaining cleanliness can lead to a deterioration in air quality around us. This, in turn, causes breathing problems and allergies.

Sofas are comfortable for short-term rest, but they are not suitable for long-term sleep. The lack of proper ergonomics, unsuitable filling for sleep, and difficulties in temperature regulation have a negative impact on our health and sleep quality. Therefore, if you want to enjoy full comfort and rest during sleep, it is better to invest in a bed and a functional mattress for sleeping.
Futon, sofa mattresses, sofa bed mattress

Why are sofa mattresses not a solution?

In Europe, sofa bed mattresses are typically sold in the form of topper mattresses and sometimes as futons. These may seem like a convenient solution for guests or individuals living in small spaces. However, they often turn out to be an inappropriate choice. They are usually unable to meet expectations regarding comfort and sleep quality. Sleeping on a sofa bed mattress for an extended period can cause the body to experience muscle tension and fatigue instead of the restoration we need.

Most commonly sold sofa bed mattresses are usually too thin. This is mainly due to the ability to easily fold or roll them so that the sofa can fulfill its role during the day. Consequently, they lack a multi-layer construction that would give them the necessary functionality. The lack of sufficient thickness also leads to improper spinal alignment, which can result in back pain and improper, uneven distribution of pressure on different parts of the body.
A mattress that is too low will not fulfill its basic role. A functional mattress must have the appropriate thickness.
The quality of many sofa mattresses is questionable. They are often made of cheap materials, frequently even from closed-cell foam, which does not provide proper support and durability. As a result, they can quickly deform and lose their supportive properties, leading to discomfort during sleep. They usually lack a solid frame and stable base, causing the sofa mattresses to frequently slide and sag.

It's also worth noting that sofa mattresses are not primarily designed for sleep quality but mainly for occasional use. They often lack a layered construction, including the inclusion of viscoelastic foam in the second layer. They are not designed to distribute body weight and therefore do not contour to the body during sleep. Meanwhile, an appropriate mattress layer design is crucial for proper spinal support and comfort during sleep.
Sofa mattresses, surface mattress, sleeping on a sectional

What is an alternative to a sofa mattress?

We understand that not everyone can accommodate a standard bed in their living space. Many people resort to sleeping on a sofa or daybed, while some occasionally use a futon on the floor. However, it is not necessary. There are solutions that allow you to get a good night's sleep even in a small space.

If you're looking for a better alternative to a sofa mattress, the best choice is the Osaka Air mattress. It offers significantly better comfort and full-body support during sleep. At the same time, it is portable, so it can be easily taken off the sofa during the day or even folded in half. That's why many of our satisfied customers use it for sleeping in the living room and then remove and move it to other places during the day.

Its first layer is made of highly elastic foam. This type of foam offers excellent support and resilience, helping maintain proper body posture. This foam is also durable and has a longer lifespan than other types. It is also present in the other layers of the mattress, except for the second layer, where we placed memory foam. This foam is responsible for reducing pressure points and contouring to the body.

The Osaka Air mattress we offer is known for its ability to adapt to the body shape and evenly distribute weight. It provides proper spinal support and reduces pressure on individual body areas, which is crucial for healthy sleep. It is one of the foundations of sleep hygiene, which nowadays becomes a luxury but should be a basic part of our well-being.
For comfortable sleep and maintaining good health, it is best to have both a functional mattress and an orthopedic pillow with an anatomical shape.
It is no secret that sleeping on a sofa is harmful to human health. People who sleep on a sofa often experience lower back pain due to inadequate support. It can also have tragic consequences for individuals with a hip endoprosthesis because an unphysiological body position often leads to dislocation.

Additionally, many people who sleep on sofas also experience neck pain and other discomforts, including severe migraines. Some may believe that an orthopedic pillow can magically alleviate these issues. While it may provide some help, it cannot solve all the problems associated with improper body alignment or neck pain. Especially if these issues arise from sleeping on an improperly chosen or unsuitable surface like a sofa.

In such a situation, it is crucial to choose a functional mattress. The right mattress should provide even weight distribution, proper spinal support, and conform to the natural body curves. A suitable mattress can also help maintain proper body posture and reduce pressure on the spine, bringing long-term relief for pain symptoms.

Therefore, if neck pain persists despite using an orthopedic pillow, it is worth seriously considering purchasing the Osaka Air mattress, which is tailored to individual needs and aims to address these issues. For serious spinal problems, it is always advisable to consult with a doctor or other specialists.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.
Sofa mattress, foam mattresses 160x200, mattress manufacturer

FAQ: Sofa mattress

Can you put a mattress on a sofa?

Yes, it is often possible to put a mattress on a sofa. However, it's important to note that not all mattresses will be suitable in terms of comfort and support for sleep. It is advisable to choose a functional mattress that provides both comfort and a healthy sleep experience.

Is a surface mattress suitable for a sofa?

Surface mattresses are often used on sofas as an additional sleeping space. However, most of them are too thin and do not provide adequate comfort. They are generally designed to be used occasionally for sleeping, rather than every night. Therefore, surface mattresses for sleeping on a sofa are generally not recommended by many specialists.

What kind of mattress should you choose for a sofa?

If you decide to use a mattress on a sofa, it is recommended to choose a foam mattress with the appropriate thickness and construction that provides full sleeping comfort. It should have a layered structure and provide support and air circulation. It is recommended that at least the first layer of the sofa mattress be made of open-cell high-resilience foam, while the second layer should be made of memory foam. They should have the appropriate height, density, and firmness.

How to sleep on a sofa?

Sleeping on a sofa can lead to improper body alignment and back pain, which can negatively affect your health. It is worth ensuring that a functional mattress is placed on the sofa, which can be removed during the day. However, it should not be a roll-up mattress but a traditionally designed mattress with a properly constructed layered structure.

How to firm up a sofa?

If the sofa is too soft, it may indicate foam indentations and spring wear. In such cases, they should be replaced with open-cell high-resilience foam. For individuals sleeping on a too-soft sofa who cannot purchase a mattress, it is recommended to buy an AirFlow Mesh 3D mat. This will firm up the surface while providing adequate air circulation.

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