How to Change the Foam in Attached Couch Cushions

Quck answer

To replace the foam in attached couch cushions, follow these steps:

1. Measure the dimensions of the cushions to determine the size of the replacement foam.

2. Remove the cushions from the couch and unzip the covers, if possible.

3. Carefully remove the old foam from the cushion covers, taking note of its shape and thickness.

4. Purchase new foam in the appropriate size and density for your comfort and support preferences.

5. Insert the new foam into the cushion covers, ensuring it fits snugly.

6. Zip up the cushion covers and place them back onto the couch.

7. Test the cushions for comfort and adjust the foam if necessary.

By following these steps, you can easily replace the foam in your attached couch cushions and enjoy improved comfort and support.


A droopy, bumpy couch is an unpleasant sight and not the desired appearance for such a prominent piece of furniture in the room. If the cushions are worn out, you don’t have to get rid of the entire couch, but you will need to replace the foam inserts. Some couches make this task a bit more challenging if they have attached cushions. However, there are several ways to replace the foam in attached cushions so that you can restore the plumpness of your couch and enjoy a more comfortable sitting experience.

Search for a Zipper

Before you can restuff attached couch cushions, you need to find a way to open the cushion without causing any damage to your furniture. This can be the most difficult part of the process since couch cushions can be attached to the sofa or couch in different ways.

Start with the simplest solution and run your hand along the underside of the cushion — the side that is usually hidden and not visible. Some attached couch cushions have a concealed zipper in the area where you would typically find the seam, which allows easy access to the cushion stuffing.

Remove the Upholstery and Open the Cushion

If there is no zipper, you will have to remove the external fabric. There are a couple of ways to do this. If you have a sewing kit, you may already be familiar with opening the cushion seam. Locate the stitch seam that runs along the underside, hidden part of the cushion. Use a seam ripper to open the seam just enough to reach the foam inside the cushion and replace it. To sew the cushion back together, use sewing pins and a strong nylon thread, making sure to fold the fabric inward so that the new stitch seam is not visible.

For some couches, it may be impossible to access the underside of the cushion, and you will need to completely remove the upholstery to reach the cushion filling. Flip your couch upside down for easy access to the staples. Use a staple remover to lift and loosen the staples. Then, use pliers to completely remove the staples. Once enough staples are removed, you can lift the upholstery and replace the foam in your couch cushion.

If you are not replacing all of the internal stuffing, consider cleaning the old stuffing before it is hidden again. Use an upholstery stapler to reattach the couch upholstery when you are done.

Materials for Restuffing Couch Cushions

Unless you thoroughly enjoyed this process, you probably want to choose high-quality, comfortable foam that will extend the life of the cushion and prevent sagging. Before purchasing a foam replacement, especially if it is for the family couch that gets a lot of use, check the grade and quality number. A higher number indicates better quality.

Cushion Support for a Sofa

The comfort and sleek appearance of your couch and sofa rely on more than just the foam. The top layer of batting is responsible for smoothing and providing support. A blend of cotton and polyester batting is typically the most comfortable and durable option for seating cushions.

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