Sofa Bed Buying Guide: How to Choose a Comfortable Sleeper Sofa

A sofa bed gives you a living room sofa and a guest bed in one piece of furniture. It is the easiest way to turn an office, basement or condo living room into a guest room. The trick is to choose one that is comfortable for both sitting and sleeping. Here is what to look for. You can also browse all of our sofa beds.

Pick the Right Size

Most sleeper sofas come with a twin, full or queen pull-out mattress.

• Twin sleeper: fits a loveseat or chair-size sleeper, good for kids or one adult.
• Full sleeper: a good fit for apartments and smaller rooms.
• Queen sleeper: the most popular choice, comfortable for two adults.

Sleeper mattresses are usually a little shorter than a regular bed mattress, so check the mattress size listed for each sofa if you have tall guests.

Measure the Room Open, Not Closed

A sofa bed needs much more floor space when it is open. Measure from the back of the sofa to where the foot of the bed will land, and check that a coffee table or rug can be moved out of the way easily. Many queen sleepers need about 90 inches from the wall when fully open. Leave room to walk around at least one side of the bed.

Mattress Types

• Memory foam and gel foam: the most comfortable option for most guests, and no bars felt through the mattress.
• Innerspring: a lighter, more traditional feel.
• Air-over-coil or hybrid: adds support for regular use.

If guests stay often, a foam mattress is usually worth it.

Sleeper Sectionals and Storage

If you need more seating, a sleeper sectional combines a pull-out bed with a chaise or corner piece. Some styles include a storage chaise, which is a great place to keep pillows and bedding. They are especially useful in basements and family rooms where the sofa is used every day.

Test the Mechanism

Open and close the bed before you buy. It should move smoothly with one person, without heavy lifting. Check that the cushions are easy to remove and that the frame feels solid. A good mechanism makes the difference between a sofa bed you use and one you avoid.

FAQ

Are sofa beds comfortable to sleep on every night?

A sofa bed with a memory foam or hybrid mattress can be comfortable for regular use. For nightly sleeping, a daybed or a real bed is still the better choice.

What size is a queen sofa bed mattress?

It is usually about 60 inches wide, the same as a queen bed, but often a few inches shorter. Check the mattress size listed for each sofa.

What is the difference between a sofa bed and a futon?

A sofa bed has a separate mattress folded inside the frame. A futon uses the seat cushion itself as the mattress.

Can I get a sectional with a pull-out bed?

Yes. Sleeper sectionals combine a pull-out mattress with a chaise or corner, and some include storage.

Sofa Beds in Calgary

Visit our Calgary showroom at Unit D200, 9737 Macleod Trail SW (Southland Crossing) to try the pieces in person, or call us at 825 305 1850. Our team can help you measure, compare fabrics and plan the whole room. Browse sofa beds and sleepers or our full range of sectionals.