How to Fix Sagging Sofa Cushions

Sagging sofa cushions are one of the most common furniture complaints — and one of the most fixable. Before you spend thousands on a new sofa, try these proven solutions. In most cases, you can restore your sofa's comfort and appearance for a fraction of the cost of replacement.

What You'll Need

• Replacement foam: GoTo Foam 2" x 24" x 72" Firm Upholstery Cushion
• Batting wrap: PLANTIONAL Natural Cotton Batting
• Jute webbing: YaeCCC Jute Webbing Tape, 3.5" x 10 Yd
• Staple gun: Metabo HPT Narrow Crown Stapler, 18 Gauge
• Upholstery sewing kit: PLANTIONAL Upholstery Repair Sewing Kit, 47-Piece

Diagnose the Problem First

Sagging cushions have two possible causes, and the fix is different for each:

• Worn-out foam: The cushion itself has lost its density and no longer springs back. The cushion feels flat and soft even when you press on it away from the sofa.
• Failed support structure: The springs or webbing underneath the cushions have broken or sagged. The cushion foam may still be fine, but the base it sits on has collapsed.

Flip the cushions over and press on them. If they feel firm, the problem is the support structure. If they feel soft and flat, the foam needs replacing.

Fix 1: Replace the Foam

If the foam is the problem, unzip the cushion covers and remove the old foam. Measure carefully and cut new GoTo Foam to match, adding 1/2 inch to each dimension for a snug fit. Wrap with cotton batting for a softer, fuller appearance. Reinsert and zip closed.

Fix 2: Add a Cushion Insert

For a quick fix without removing covers, cut a piece of foam slightly smaller than the cushion and slide it inside the cover alongside the existing foam. This adds firmness without a full replacement. It's not a permanent solution but buys time.

Fix 3: Wrap Existing Foam with Batting

If the foam is still reasonably firm but the cushion looks flat, the batting wrap may have compressed. Remove the cover, wrap the existing foam with fresh cotton batting, and reinsert. This adds volume and restores the cushion's rounded appearance.

Fix 4: Repair the Support Structure

If the base is the problem, remove the cushions and flip the sofa on its side. Look underneath — you'll see either coil springs, sinuous (zigzag) springs, or jute/elastic webbing. Broken or sagging jute webbing can be replaced by weaving new straps across the frame and stapling with the Metabo HPT stapler. Broken coil springs need to be re-tied or replaced — a more advanced repair.

Fix 5: Use a Sofa Cushion Support Board

For a non-invasive fix, cut a piece of 1/4" plywood to fit the seat area and place it under the cushions. This provides a firm base that prevents further sagging. It's not visible and takes five minutes to do.

Pro Tips

• Rotate and flip cushions regularly to distribute wear evenly and extend their life.
• High-resilience (HR) foam lasts 2–3x longer than standard foam — worth the investment when replacing.
• If one cushion is sagging, replace all seat cushions at the same time for consistent comfort.
• A sofa with a solid hardwood frame is always worth repairing — the frame can last decades with proper cushion maintenance.