Thin mattresses for a sofa: design, types, application, sizes, selection criteria

Advantages of toppers

A thin mattress smoothes the surface, making the spaces between the elements of the sofa insensitive. The advantage of the topper is its compactness. It's easy to roll up and put away in a drawer.

Fans of exercises and gymnastics, as well as children, can use it as a sports mat. This is facilitated by its increased strength and elasticity.

As a mattress pad, a thin mattress can be used for the main mattress. If you sleep on an air mattress or water mattress without a fabric cover, you can use a topper to insulate them.

The height of the toppers varies between 2 cm and 8 cm. They may contain one or more fillers and differ in the level of rigidity, orthopedic qualities and anatomical properties.

What makes a sofa mattress different from a regular bed mattress?

Modern mattresses designed for regular beds are up to 50 centimeters thick. Toppers, in turn, have a thickness from 2 centimeters to 8 centimeters.
Bed mattresses are divided into two types. A mattress with a spring block and springless mattresses. A thin mattress, as a rule, does not have such blocks, but it can also be orthopedic and change its hardness.
The absence of spring blocks gives the topper a certain advantage. Without a frame as such, the thin mattress follows the curves of the body of the person sleeping on it. This position contributes to a more comfortable rest.
The thin mattress can be used as a mattress pad for regular mattresses. It can add softness to a too hard base surface.
Or they can impart a certain rigidity to too soft orthopedic mattresses.
Can be used as a mat for children. To do this, you just need to spread it on the floor and the child will be able to perform acrobatic acts on it.
A thin mattress is used as an additional protective agent for the sofa from dirt and dust. It is much easier to tidy up one such mattress than to completely clean the entire sofa.

The degree of hardness of thin mattresses for a sofa

This indicator requires taking into account the following points:

To level the sofa surface and give it orthopedic qualities, a filler containing a slab of coconut coir is suitable. This is the hardest filler possible. It smooths out depressions and irregularities, creating excellent support for the spine.
Those who prefer a less rigid bed should opt for a topper that has natural latex added to coconut coir. The combination of these materials provides medium-level rigidity. This option is suitable for a wide range of consumers.
To soften a too hard surface, a thin mattress made of latex, polyurethane foam (PPU), Memorix is used. These toppers are comfortable to sleep because they adapt to your body shape.

Are you allergic to down pillows? You don't have to use synthetic fillers; try pillows made from buckwheat husks.
And if you need to bathe a baby. Read the article on how to choose a pillow for bathing babies here.

Varieties

Before choosing a mattress topper for a sofa, you need to consider all the existing varieties, of which there are a lot. There are hard, soft, with coconut coir, with foam and even with latex. All these options are selected individually, taking into account the needs and tastes of the future user.

Toppers also come in different shapes, including round and rectangular. Oval ones are becoming more and more popular these days as there are many beds of this type on the market. Rectangular sofas are considered classic. They are good because, thanks to the wide size grid, they are suitable for most beds.

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By type of filler

Sofa toppers vary greatly in the type of filling, of which there is now a large amount.

Coconut coir (shavings)	These are processed walnut fibers that give the topper antibacterial and orthopedic properties. If the mattress needs to be made softer, then latex is added to it
Wool	This filler is used quite rarely, as it is not hypoallergenic. Often used in combination with cotton
Natural latex	They are made from the sap of the rubber tree, which is foamed using a special technology and then hardens. This filler provides an orthopedic effect and almost never causes allergies.
Synthetic latex	This is a substitute for natural latex, but more affordable. It is a little harsher and may cause an allergic reaction. The service life of such a topper is much shorter than its natural counterpart.
Polyurethane foam	It is an artificial filler that resembles latex in elasticity. It is light, well breathable and has good stretch. But just like synthetic, it will not last long
Memory foam	It is also called “memory foam”. This is an expensive foam made from polyurethane foam. It has a strong orthopedic effect, and it also has the so-called memory property. Thanks to this, the spine is well supported during sleep, which creates a high level of comfort.
Holofiber	Synthetic filler. It does not cause allergies, is porous and retains heat for a long time. Maintains its shape for a long time and boasts a long service life
Struttofiber	Its peculiarity is vertically arranged polyester fibers, which are connected using hot air. A cover made from this type of filler has medium hardness and springs well.

It’s better to pay a little extra and buy a mattress with high-quality filling. This way it will last much longer and will not cause problems during operation.

Coconut coir (shavings)

Wool

Natural latex

Synthetic latex

Polyurethane foam

Memory foam

Holofiber

Struttofiber

By type of upholstery

Also, to make a decision on choosing a topper for a sofa, you need to consider the upholstery that is used for these mattresses. Several types of natural fabrics are used to sew covers:

Cotton. Natural material made from cotton fibers. It is highly breathable and also very lightweight. It is durable and low cost.
Linen. Made from plant materials (but may be mixed with artificial fabrics). It kills bacteria and fungi well, and also regulates temperature during sleep.
Silk. Lightweight fabric with antibacterial properties. It has a beneficial effect on skin cells and the human cardiac system. One of the most expensive materials.
Atlas. Absorbs moisture well, does not cause allergies and is resistant to static electricity. Keeps its shape for a long time and is also very durable, which increases its service life. The fabric has a smooth or patterned texture to the touch.

Quite often, combined fabric options are used to sew covers.

The more expensive the textiles for upholstery of the topper, the higher the cost of the product itself will be. The material for budget options is usually synthetic. But in this case, the mattress will not last long and will soon have to be replaced with a new one.

Popular models of Ikea corner sofas, their distinctive features

Cotton

Linen

Silk

Atlas

Topper price categories

In addition to the level of hardness, another important criterion for choosing thin mattresses is the price category. The presence of natural fillers in the topper makes its price higher. But there are also worthy, cheaper analogues based on artificial materials:

Holofiber is elastic and resistant to deformation.
PPU is an elastic material for softness.
Memorix is a heat-sensitive filler with maximum comfort.

Read also: Which mattress is best for a newborn

Mattress covers

To ensure the longevity of mattresses and increase the degree of some of their qualities, covers for them play an important role. They can not only protect the product from the appearance of various types of contaminants on it, but also prevent it from being infected by various types of bacteria and allergenic substances.

Cases add several additional properties to all existing characteristics:

change in the degree of hardness or softness;
able to regulate the degree of air and moisture circulation;
can play the role of a heat insulator;
resist the occurrence of static effects.

Types of cases

According to their functional properties, mattress covers are divided into several types with their inherent characteristics. Buyers, by evaluating them, can more accurately determine their choice.

Classic type covers are designed to protect against contamination. For their production, fabrics of natural, synthetic and combined types are used.
To improve orthopedic properties, it is necessary to use a cover with appropriate characteristics. Orthopedic covers are indispensable for those who have problems with the musculoskeletal system.
Special cases are designed to perform additional functions. For example, warming, protection from moisture, etc.
Antibacterial covers can protect the mattress from contamination by bacteria and other undesirable elements.
Children's covers generally have increased protection from moisture. They are able to create optimal comfort for babies.

Type of material for covers

In this direction, it is necessary to pay primary attention to the origin of the materials for the covers. And take into account all their pros and cons.

Natural materials – cotton, wool, silk. They fully comply with sanitary standards and are environmentally friendly. The disadvantages include the rather high price.

Synthetic - available to most buyers. They are easy to care for and retain their appearance and shape for a long time. Excellent for people suffering from various types of allergic diseases. Examples are products made from holofiber and polycotton.

Due to their structure, latex covers have a high degree of softness and elasticity. Most often used in thin orthopedic mattresses for sofas. They effectively eliminate all kinds of folds and irregularities and reduce the degree of rigidity.

Thin children's mattress

Today, in addition to adults, you can buy a thin children's mattress. For example, the Fiora brand. It is filled in the middle with polyurethane foam, and along the edges with coconut fiber.

It can support weight up to 70 kg. It is covered with calico fabric with a children's pattern. Knitwear is also used as lining, which has a winter-summer effect.

Another brand - Orion - is made of natural coconut fiber. This topper is designed for a 90 kg load. He's tougher than Fiora. And this is its advantage, since the orthopedic effect is more pronounced.

It is very important that children's mattresses are equipped with fillers that do not cause allergies, due to the frequent sensitivity of children to certain irritants.

Topper - a thin orthopedic mattress on a sofa for sleeping: what is its meaning and advantage

A topper is an overhead mattress no more than 10 cm thick, used as an addition to folding or modular furniture. The use of such a product will increase the comfort of the sleeping place. The main difference from a regular mattress is the thickness. The topper is noticeably thinner, so it is not suitable for constant use; it is recommended to use it only while sleeping.

Advantages of a thin sofa mattress:

It will extend the life of furniture by reducing the load on the upholstery and filling. When used for sleeping, these materials will not wear out, since the main load will be taken by a thin mattress on the sofa.
Adjusts the level of rigidity, making the sleeping place more comfortable. The folding mattress is moderately springy, maintaining optimal body position while resting.
Eliminates problem areas and unevenness that arise after intensive use of furniture.
It will give orthopedic properties without the use of expensive frames or changing the design of the sofa.
Combines sliding or modular parts, leveling the surface of the sofa bed.

The presence of orthopedic properties makes the mattress on the sofa for sleeping the first assistant in the fight against spinal diseases. During sleep, a person will take a physiologically correct position. Active use of a good mattress improves blood circulation in the limbs, promotes correct posture, and relieves pain in the lower back and muscles.

Features of a thin mattress:

Compactness. Removable toppers can be stored folded (on a roll). The mattress will fit in the linen drawer. It can be transported in the trunk or in the back seat of a car (some people take it with them when they go on an overnight stay).
A wide selection of sizes allows you to choose a product according to the dimensions of your sleeping place. A mattress topper for a sofa of a non-standard shape is made to order.
The thickness ranges from 2 to 8 centimeters. A larger deviation is allowed, but in this case you will have to sacrifice compactness.
Made using natural fabrics and fillers that do not cause an allergic reaction.
Versatility. The best mattress can be placed on a variety of uneven sofas or beds.

Even high-quality natural filler sags and clumps around the seat area over time. If the folding parts of the sofa no longer fit tightly together, you should use a topper. In the places of such joints, oblong depressions often appear, which interfere with sleep. A thin roll-up mattress for a sofa will help get rid of these problems. The resting place will be perfectly flat and quite hard, promoting complete relaxation.

Types of topper fillers

Toppers contain a variety of fillings. A hard thin mattress is usually filled with materials from:

Latex;
Polyurethane;
Sintepon;
Coconut fiber;
Strutofiber;
Memorifa.

In order to make it comfortable to hold the baby while feeding, you can use special pillows for feeding the baby. They are made so that the baby can lie comfortably while feeding.
Are you choosing a pillow? A lot depends on the filling of the pillow. Read more about which pillow is best here.
Of the high-quality hypoallergenic pillow fillings, pay attention to polystyrene. More information about polystyrene filling for pillows is written at the link: https://like2sleep.com/postelnye-prinadlezhnosti/podushki/kakojj-luchshijj-napolnitel-dlya-podushek.html

additional characteristics

To finally decide which mattress is suitable for the sofa, you need to pay attention to additional characteristics. According to the degree of rigidity, they are divided into 3 types:

Soft. They are often used if the base is too hard. Also used for leveling a sofa or even a folding bed. The filling of such products consists of natural latex, polyurethane foam, memory foam and holofiber.
Tough. Used if the base is too soft and you need to add rigidity. The filling mainly consists of coconut coir, sometimes holofiber.
Medium hardness. Such toppers are used not only for furniture. They can be laid on the floor instead of a sleeping place if guests suddenly arrive. Another option is to turn them into a children's play space or a place for gymnastics.

People with musculoskeletal conditions should consult their healthcare provider before deciding to purchase such a cushion.

Soft

Hard

Medium hardness
As for the sizes, you need to take into account the following characteristics:

single model with standard width - 90x190 cm;
for one-and-a-half-size sofas and beds, a topper width of 120-140 cm and a length of 190 cm is suitable;
for double options - 160x120 cm;
for beds with European sizes - 90x190 cm, 200x160 cm, 200x180 cm and 200x200 cm;
diameter options for round furniture - 200, 220 and 230 cm;
sizes for children's beds - 60x120 cm, 60x140 cm and 70x140 cm.

Characteristics and advantages of the Friheten sofa from Ikea, model range

There are also some recommendations for selecting a topper for a person’s weight. Hard options are suitable for those who are overweight, while soft models are preferably chosen for people with low body weight. All these nuances must be taken into account in order for the mattress to last for a long time.

Doctors advise choosing toppers so that their length is 15 cm greater than a person’s height.

Characteristics of fillers for thin sofa mattresses

Latex is a strong and durable material. It is a porous structure with effective air circulation. This allows you to successfully use it in hot summers by removing excess moisture and heat from the mattress.

Its other useful qualities are elasticity, resilience, and safety. Artificial latex has high antibacterial properties and does not cause allergies.

The synthetic material polyurethane foam is moisture resistant and non-toxic. It is also environmentally friendly, elastic and does not cause allergies. However, polyurethane foam wears out faster and sags earlier.

Sofa mattress fillers

Artificial, natural and combined fillers are used for sofa mattresses.

Artificial:

Artificial latex. It is characterized by rigidity, good breathability, and hypoallergenicity. Will last 5 years or more. Manufactured from polymer raw materials.
Polyurethane foam or orthopedic foam. Due to their affordable price, these mattresses are in high demand. The main differences are excellent thermal conductivity and hygiene. The main disadvantage is the short service life (2-3 years), it quickly loses its shape.
Memoryform. This foam material is often referred to as “memory foam.” The main advantage is the “memorization” of the shape, the absence of a pushing effect. Resting on such a mattress is incredibly comfortable.

Natural:

Coconut coir. Products with coconut fiber are characterized by environmental friendliness, wear resistance, and durability. These mattresses are quite hard. To add elasticity, manufacturers combine natural raw materials with a latex layer. Toppers with coconut coir have an orthopedic effect. The product must not be twisted to avoid destruction of the pressed fibers.
Latex. Made from foamed rubber sap. It has a microporous structure. Due to the pores filled with air, it has good thermal conductivity. Latex mattresses are environmentally friendly. Most experts recognize latex as one of the best mattress fillings.
Wool (sheep, camel). Such mattresses have good thermal conductivity, but can provoke allergies. Basically, wool filling is combined with other fillings.

To ensure good performance, thin mattresses are usually made with multi-layers.

When choosing a mattress for a sofa, you need to find out which filling is better. Natural fillers are more expensive, but also last longer. Artificial fillers are distinguished by their affordable price and good performance. Combined fillers that perfectly combine the best qualities of natural and artificial materials are considered optimal. Typically, manufacturers prefer wool, coir, and cotton among natural additives.

The most common combined filler is struttofiber. It is made of polyester fiber and natural components such as cotton or wool. The share of natural ingredients is approximately 20% of the total weight of the product.

Air mattresses for sofa

For certain conditions, a thin air mattress may be the most comfortable. Its height often reaches 23 cm. It is easily transported, for example, to the dacha, where sofas from apartments are often taken.

The material for such products is vinyl-based synthetics. This is the best choice of air mattress. It is distinguished by strength and durability. The top covering of this mattress is a special “velvety” material, waterproof and non-slip.

The only negative is that such a topper is quite easy to pierce. Repair of such an air mattress is carried out in the same way as for full-size models.

In order to get a good night's sleep and rest well while sleeping, it is best to use orthopedic pillows. For example, latex orthopedic pillows: durable and pleasant to the touch.
And if you don’t have much space to store bedding, we recommend using inflatable sleeping pillows. You can read more details here.
Do you want to decorate your sofa at minimal cost? Choose matching small throw pillows for your sofa. More details at the link: https://like2sleep.com/postelnye-prinadlezhnosti/podushki/dekorativnye-podushki-na-divan.html

Optimal topper sizes

The most common topper size is one and a half. The 140 x 200 thin mattress is suitable for a double occupancy. The specified parameters are relevant for a modern double bed. A folding sofa is functionally identical to this sleeping format.

What is a sofa topper?

A mattress topper is an accessory that lies on top of a sofa laid out for sleeping.
It is a thin springless mattress consisting of a cover made of natural fabric and a modern filler. Some models have Velcro or elastic bands to secure the topper to the sofa. Often such sleep products are called “stool covers”. The main purpose of a mattress topper is to make the sofa more comfortable for sleeping, as well as protect it from dirt. If it gets dirty, the topper cover can be easily washed. The bed linen is easily fixed on it and does not slip during rest.

Another indisputable advantage of the topper is protection against static electricity. Sofas with synthetic upholstery often become electrified, and this accessory helps to easily cope with this problem.

The topper can be used not only as an addition to a regular or corner sofa, but also as an independent mattress. For example, it will help out if guests have arrived and there are not enough sleeping places. Even though the topper is quite thin, it is very comfortable and comfortable to sleep on, even on the floor.

It can be used as a mat for exercise or placed in a tent during outdoor recreation. It can also be laid on top of a high mattress or folding bed for added comfort.