Play Sofa Comparison
how you can measure quality
Play sofas look similar in photos. The differences lie in the foam, the cover and the test evidence. This buying guide explains each criterion with its measurement and standard, and shows the values from our own data sheets next to it, even where other claims are higher. That way you can check any offer yourself.
What lies behind play sofa tests
If you search for “play sofa test”, “play sofa test winner”, “play sofa Stiftung Warentest” or “play sofa Öko-Test”, you want a neutral check with a clear result. Here you can read what we found and how you can compare without a test verdict.
No independent test found
In our research in October 2026 we found no published play sofa test by Stiftung Warentest or Öko-Test. That is why we name no test winner and give no grades. If such a test appears, check whether it states measured values with a test standard.
“Test” in the title does not mean measurement
Many pages with test or comparison in the title come from manufacturers, retailers or comparison portals with advertising links. We found no measured values of their own there, and the figures are manufacturer claims. Check whether a test measures or only describes impressions.
Reading play sofa reviews properly
Other parents' play sofa reviews help with everyday questions: Does the sofa slide, does the cover come off easily, how easy is it to rebuild? Whether the foam still holds its shape after years is shown more reliably by a data sheet value than by an impression after a few weeks. Check whether the product was supplied free of charge for the report.
Check it yourself instead of relying on a verdict
Ask for the foam data sheet, the test values of the cover and the certificate number of the harmful-substance label. You can look up the number yourself in the OEKO-TEX Label Check. Our page OEKO-TEX Standard 100 explained simply explains what the label means.
We are a manufacturer too
This page is written by a supplier that makes play sofas itself. That is why we state our values with the standard, even where other offers show higher figures. That way you can check every claim and decide for yourself.
Play sofa comparison: what to look for, how to spot it, our value
This play sofa comparison table sums up all the criteria. The middle column shows which detail you should look for or ask the supplier about. On the right are our own values from the data sheets, and details on the Play Sofa Corduroy are on the product page.
| What to look for | How you can tell | Our value |
|---|---|---|
| Foam density | kg/m³ according to EN ISO 845 | 19.5-22.5 kg/m³ (RG 20/30), firm core RG 40/50 on request |
| Foam indentation hardness | kPa at 40 % compression according to EN ISO 3386-1 | 2.6-3.5 kPa |
| Foam shape stability | Compression set in % according to EN ISO 1856, the smaller the better | at most 7 % |
| Rebound | Rebound resilience in % | at least 35 % |
| Weight and portability | Density and number of pieces: Can your child carry one piece alone? | light foam, at the same size a good half as heavy as our firm core RG 40/50 |
| Abrasion resistance of the cover | Cycles according to Martindale (EN ISO 12947), domestic use from 15,000 | Corduroy over 80,000, velvet 60,000, Teddy 50,000 |
| Pilling of the cover | Grade 1 to 5 according to EN ISO 12945-2, 5 = no pills | Corduroy 3-4, Teddy 4, velvet 5 |
| Washing | Temperature, machine or hand, tumble dryer yes or no | Corduroy: machine 40 degrees, tumble dryer on low. Teddy and velvet: hand wash 30 degrees |
| Removable cover | Zip on every piece | yes, with a zip |
| Child-safe zip | sewn in concealed, hard to grab | as an extra: concealed, child-safe zip |
| Harmful-substance testing | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 with product class and certificate number, separate for foam and cover | Foam: product class I (IW 00049). Cover fabrics: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 |
| Fire safety of the cover fabric | EN 1021-1 (cigarette test), applies to the fabric | Corduroy: passed |
| Edges | Wrapping of the foam core | Thermal fleece around every core |
| Sliding | Your floor covering and the underlay | stays put on carpet; on laminate, vinyl, parquet or tiles, put a rug or a non-slip rug underlay beneath it |
| Dimensions and space | Dimensions built up and stacked, footprint | 160 x 80 cm, Mini 120 x 60 cm, also made to measure |
| Manufacture | Who cuts the foam, who sews the cover? | our own sewing workshop and our own foam cutting, made in Germany |
| Shipping | How is the foam packed? | without folds and crushing where possible, otherwise gently folded |
| Delivery time | Working days until delivery | 5 working days (standard sizes) |
| Returns | Period and exceptions | 14 days, made-to-measure items excluded |
Ask the supplier for the data sheet. Words such as “high quality” or “shape-stable” without a number cannot be compared. A value without a standard is hard to judge, because it may have been measured differently.
A higher value is not better in every row. With density, for example, more also means heavier. The next sections explain which values suit your child.
Foam: density, indentation hardness and shape stability
The foam decides how soft the play sofa is, how heavy the pieces are and whether it still holds its shape after years. Three measurements answer these questions. Here is how to read them.
Density (EN ISO 845)
Density tells you how much one cubic metre of foam weighs. A higher value makes the foam heavier and usually firmer, a lower one lighter and softer. Our RG 20/30 foam has 19.5-22.5 kg/m³.
Indentation hardness (EN ISO 3386-1)
Indentation hardness in kPa tells you how much pressure it takes to compress the foam by 40 %. Check at which compression a value was measured: data sheets usually state it at 40 %. Our foam is at 2.6-3.5 kPa and gives noticeably when children romp on it.
Compression set (EN ISO 1856)
This figure answers the question of sagging. It measures how much height the foam loses after long loading. The smaller the value, the better the foam keeps its shape. Our foam is at no more than 7 %, and its rebound resilience at no less than 35 %.
Honestly: below some guide values
Some guides give a density from 25 kg/m³ and an indentation hardness from 4.0 kPa as a guide value. Our RG 20/30 foam is below that, and we say so openly. It is softer and lighter. It still keeps its shape, and the compression set of no more than 7 % backs that up. The data sheet lists children's mattresses among its applications.
Light, so that children can build on their own
At the same size, our foam weighs a good half as much as our firm core RG 40/50. That matters for children, because they carry the folding mattresses and triangle cushions themselves, build a den and tidy up afterwards.
Prefer firmer?
If you want a firmer play sofa, choose the firm core RG 40/50. It is heavier and very stable, and even bigger children do not press it flat. Soft and light or firm and heavy: decide by your child. We advise you on the made-to-measure Play Sofa.
The cover: abrasion resistance, pilling and washing
The cover takes the most punishment when children climb and slide. Three details show whether it can take it and how you keep it clean. We make covers from Corduroy 5mm, Teddy and velvet, all made of 100 % polyester.
Abrasion resistance according to Martindale
In the Martindale test (EN ISO 12947), a standardised wool fabric rubs over the cloth until two threads break. The cycles are counted. For domestic upholstery, at least 15,000 cycles is the usual guide value. Our corduroy is over 80,000, velvet is at 60,000 and Teddy at 50,000. Find out more under What is Martindale.
Pilling grade according to EN ISO 12945-2
Pilling means small pills on rubbed areas. The grade runs from 1 to 5, and a 5 means no pills. A high Martindale value does not rule out pilling, so both figures count. Corduroy has 3-4, Teddy 4, velvet 5.
Washable means a stated temperature
Ask at what temperature and how the cover is washed. You can wash our corduroy in the machine at 40 degrees, and afterwards it may go in the tumble dryer on a low setting. Teddy and velvet tolerate only hand washing at 30 degrees and no tumble dryer. Details: Care instructions for Corduroy 5mm.
Teddy and velvet need more care
Cuddly pile and smooth velvet feel soft, but they mat in the machine. If you have to wash often, corduroy is more convenient. Care in detail for Teddy Bear and velvet.
Removable with a zip
Every cover is removable and has a zip. That way you wash only the cover, not the foam. Replacement covers are possible, also in a different colour.
Fire safety applies to the fabric
Our corduroy cover fabric passes the cigarette test according to EN 1021-1. With claims like this, check what they apply to: the test applies to the fabric, not to the whole play sofa.
Everyday safety: label, edges, zip, sliding
Children lie, cuddle and sleep on the play sofa. That is why it is worth looking at the harmful-substance label and at the details that count in everyday life.
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 with product class
The label tests for substances that are harmful to health. The limit values depend on the product class: class I for baby articles up to three years is the strictest, class IV for furnishing materials such as upholstery covers the mildest. A label without a class therefore says little.
What the label applies to
Foam and cover can be certified separately. With us, the foam is tested according to OEKO-TEX Standard 100 in product class I, certificate IW 00049. The cover fabrics corduroy, Teddy and velvet are also certified according to OEKO-TEX Standard 100. With us, class I applies to the foam.
Other test marks
With marks such as TÜV or GS, ask which part was tested according to which standard. A mark without a test report or certificate number cannot be checked.
Soft edges
We wrap every foam core in a layer of thermal fleece. This smooths the edges, lets the cover fit neatly and protects it during daily rebuilding.
Zip out of reach
Small children like to play with the zip pull. As an extra, we sew in a concealed, child-safe zip that small hands cannot easily get at.
Sliding on smooth floors
On carpet, the play sofa does not slide. On smooth floors such as laminate, vinyl, parquet or tiles, the pieces can shift when your child romps on them. Place the play sofa on a rug or a non-slip rug underlay there. All sides of the pieces are covered with cover fabric, because your child puts them together in any position.
Is a play sofa worth it?
Whether a play sofa is worth it depends on your child and your space. The modular design is the core: the pieces make a sofa and can be rearranged at any time. Here is the honest weighing up.
Worth it for building and romping
Folding mattresses and triangle cushions become a den, a castle, a slide or an obstacle course, and afterwards everything turns back into a sofa. In a children's room, this often replaces the beanbag and floor cushions.
Guest bed for children
Laid flat on the floor, the thick folding mattress becomes a sleeping place when friends stay over. For adults it is too short at 160 cm.
Not a bed for every night
A play sofa is a piece of play furniture. It suits sleepovers, but we do not recommend it as a bed for every night. For daily sleep, a children's bed with a suitable mattress is the better choice.
Needs floor space
Built up, our standard model stands on 160 x 80 cm. Your child needs more room to build. If little space is free in the room, the Play Sofa Mini with 120 x 60 cm or a made-to-measure item fits.
Also for older children
Older children keep using the play sofa as a reading corner, for chilling and for overnight visitors. If bigger children romp on it too, the firm core RG 40/50 is worth considering.
Which Play Sofa suits you?
The models differ in size and cover. Which is the best play couch for you depends on your space and on how often you want to wash the cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 - label and scope
- OEKO-TEX Label Check - check certificate number
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 - full text with product classes (PDF)
- GINETEX - care symbols according to ISO 3758 (PDF)
Last reviewed: 19.10.2026 · Reviewer: Germes-Team
Do you want to know our values in more detail?
Write to us if you have questions about foam, cover or size. We will tell you honestly whether the soft standard model, a firm core or a made-to-measure play sofa suits your child better.