How to put new foam in a 3 seater sofa?

Mike T
by Mike T

My sofa sags and I need to replace the foam. I have some 3 inch reflex foam to use


  10 answers
  • What type of sofa? Some have zippers in the back of the cushions. Does yours?

    • Mike T Mike T on Oct 23, 2020

      Hiya Naomie,

      Thanks for your interest in my problem.

      My 3 seater leather sofa is all in one, that is to say the three cushions are part of the unit so the cushions are part of the unit, this is hard to explain but try and imagine that this was a cover for a standard sofa made out of leather and it had a wooden framework inserted and then filed with sponge. Did that description help at all?

  • Deb K Deb K on Oct 23, 2020

    Hello Mike, hope this helps you, most sofas have hidden zippers,

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zlvV1tOEGo

    • See 1 previous
    • Deb K Deb K on Oct 24, 2020

      Hey Mike, I have a leather sofa, and I did some further searching, I found this link, and it assisted me to find the cushion zippers on my couch, the are at the very back of the cushion

      https://homeguides.sfgate.com/fill-leather-sofa-cushions-sewn-frame-102624.html


      run you hand along the back side of the cushion where it meets the back upright part, reach your hand in as if looking for a lost comb or money and feel the seat cushion the full length of the cushion, you should feel a zipper

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Oct 23, 2020

    As Naomie said, if your sofa has zippers, unzip and stuff in your foam. If no zipper, go along where the cushion is attached to the frame (back of the cushion) and very carefully slit the seam open and stuff. Resew that seam with a curved needle designed for sewing upholstery.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 23, 2020

    Hi Mike,

    If the cushions have zips ,that's the way to go. If not you will probably need to deconstruct the upholstery to replace it. Start at the bottom edge. You will need tools and Staple Gun to replace it. Best wishes.


  • Do you have loose cushions or are the sewn into the couch?


  • Morgan McBride Morgan McBride on Oct 23, 2020

    Here is a tutorial AND how to video I made on that topic! https://www.charlestoncrafted.com/stuff-sofa-cushions/

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Oct 23, 2020

    We had the same problem with our customized leather Natuzzi sofa. The retailer repaired it the first time which made it too hard and stiff.

    We have worked on it since. Flipping the sofa (in our case its a separate module the sofa snaps together in two pieces) over you can remove the dust cloth staples to remove this cover and expose the sofas internal aspects. A piece of wood could be screwed in the structure to help support the cushion -preventing the sag. Adjust foam cushion to your need. Then the dust cover needs to be reapplied with a staple gun.

    • See 1 previous
    • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Oct 23, 2020

      Great. Happy you can find the direction for corrective action to get your furniture more comfortable and functional. Appreciate the feedback.

  • Mogie Mogie on Oct 23, 2020

    If you are planning on replacing the foam here are some tips for cutting it.


    Quick tip re foam: If you need or want to replace the foam (check first whether it seems to be the foam that is the problem or whether the springs or support of the sofa is shot) then you can cut your own foam if you mark it up first (measure twice, cut once!) using an electric kitchen knife. Please don't use scissors or shears as these will twist the foam as you cut and you will end up with crooked or jagged edges. Foam is not cheap to buy, so if you are going to cut it yourself, make sure you can cut it straight!

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Oct 23, 2020

    Most cushions have a zipper but if they don't you could add one or velcro to them. Carefully take apart at the seam. You may need to add a bit of material if it won't meet. Make sure to do this on the side that is against the sofa.

    Another thought is your issue may be the support on the sofa. My SIL bought a set from someone for $50 that he said needed new cushions. We put plywood under the cushions and problem was solved.


  • 17335038 17335038 on Oct 23, 2020

    All foam is not created equally.


    When replacing foam for any furniture that is going to be sat on, such as sofas or chairs, there are two main considerations:


    1. the thickness of the foam
    2. the density of the foam


    These are not the same.


    While thickness generally provides the soft feel, it is predominately the density of the foam that provides the support to bodies sitting on the furniture, and helps prevent sinking down.


    A piece of foam with more density and less thickness can provide more support than a piece of foam with less density and greater thickness. The quality and the price of the foam are also factors in how well a piece of foam might retain its supportive ability.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=els9ytDVTE4


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAMEhG3WwYI

    • See 1 previous
    • 17335038 17335038 on Oct 23, 2020

      Thanks for the feedback. You are most welcome.