Unless you live alone and don’t get guests, the couch is exposed to bums and feet all day long. That's not to mention all the dust, dust mites and other allergens that settle on it throughout the day. 

This makes it a less than hygienic place to sleep particularly if you have sensitive skin, are prone to skin issues like eczema or have allergies. But if it’s the only choice you have, here’s how to safely sleep on the couch. 

Do A Quick Cleanup 

Before you lay down on the sofa, do a quick cleanup to remove any loose dirt and, especially, food crumbs. The last thing you want is bugs crawling around you as you sleep. 

A quick vacuum will remove dirt, allergens and any particles on the couch, ensuring you sleep on a clean area. 

Don’t Sleep on a Bare Couch - Use Sheets 

Cleaning the couch is not enough to make it hygienic to sleep on. There could be dirt and other stuff deeper down in the cushions. There may also be bacteria and other kinds of germs on the couch that a vacuum won’t get rid off. 

So no matter how clean the couch looks, do not sleep on it bare. Always put a sheet on the couch to create a barrier between you and the cushions. 

This also keeps you from making the couch even more unhygienic when you sweat and transfer dead skin cells and body oils onto the cushions. 

For even better protection, use antibacterial sheets such as the Hercleon Jax Sheets. They provide a much more hygienic sleeping surface and reduce the risk of issues like acne and infections. 

Antibacterial sheets also fight odor-causing bacteria, ensuring you don't funk up the couch especially if you sweat a lot at night.  

Use a Mattress Topper   

A sheet is a good start, but it’s not enough to create a good barrier between you and the couch. Bacteria and allergens on the cushions can still reach you and your sweat can still soak into the couch, leaving it smelly and unhygienic. 

We recommend adding a mattress topper. This is not just for hygiene; it’s also great for comfort.  

Couches are generally not very comfortable to sleep on. They are either too plush to offer much support (often resulting in back pain) or too hard and firm that you wake up sore.  

A mattress topper provides a mattress-like sleeping surface that’s more comfortable. A 2-4 inch topper is enough to transform your couch into a decent bed. If you have plush cushions, get a firm topper to boost support. If your couch is on the firmer side, get a soft or medium firmness topper. 

In addition to comfort, a mattress topper provides a better barrier. You don't have to worry about sleeping directly or too close to where people have been sitting all day. You also don't leave your sweat or any dirt on the couch.  

Vacuum and Clean The Couch Regularly 

Ideally, a night on the couch should only be an occasional thing. Otherwise, it can cause back pain and other kinds of aches. Even adding a mattress topper won’t make the couch as comfortable as a proper bed. 

But if you are stuck there for the time being, you might as well make it as comfortable and hygienic as you can. 

This means cleaning the couch regularly. Vacuum it at least once a day to prevent a build up of allergens, bug-attracting food crumbs and other kinds of stuff. 

Once a week, use an upholstery cleaner to give the couch a deeper clean. This will eliminate odors, lift deep dirt and remove stains. 

Another way to deodorize and sanitize the couch is using an equal mix of water and vinegar. Spray it lightly over the couch, being careful not to soak it (do a spot test first). Then let the couch air dry.