Be My Guest: Choosing a Sofa Bed

Anyone who has spent a restless night on a friend’s fold-out sofa will appreciate the importance of a good sleep sofa. Yes, there are comfortable models on the market – you just need to know what to look for when you shop. Here’s a rundown of some of the most important things to consider.

Do you need a sofa bed?
If you’ve never needed a sofa bed before but are thinking about buying one “just in case,” you might want to think again. A sofa bed is more expensive than a conventional sofa, so unless you’re going to use it for sleeping, you’re better off buying a conventional sofa and stashing an air mattress in the storeroom. Due to their construction, sofa beds have firmer seats than conventional sofas. While seniors often like the extra support (it’s easier to get up), others may find sleepers less comfortable.

What size?
Measure the spot where you want to place the sofa bed, and figure out the ideal sofa width for that space. Sleepers come in four standard widths… See more here.