Updated : January 22, 2025
Published : January 21, 2025
Guides

If you rewind to the '90s, sofa beds were the furniture equivalent to a bad haircut — functional at best, regrettable at worst.

The mattresses were thin and sagged in the middle. You could feel the metal bars underneath poking at your back, and no amount of fluffing would ever make it comfortable. The cushions barely made it through a few nights without losing shape. At times, the entire setup creaked like it was about to fall apart the moment you sat down. No wonder they lived in the shadow of rolled-up mattresses on the floor.

Your grandparents likely rolled their eyes at the mere suggestion of getting a sofa bed, and honestly, who could blame them? They looked bad, felt worse, and were more of a space-filler than a functional bed.

Welcome to 2025. The sofa beds you’ll find now are built with more than just practicality in mind. They’ve been updated with robust frames that feel sturdy, high-quality mattresses that mimic the support of a proper bed, and fabrics that feel soft to the touch while standing up to daily use. You can easily crash on one after a long day and actually wake up feeling rested, not sore.

While they’ve come a long way, what makes a sofa bed truly comfortable comes down to a few key factors. Let’s check them out.

Mattress

Having the right mattress is essential because it directly impacts your comfort and overall health. A cheap mattress can lead to restless nights, back pain, and that dreaded feeling of waking up more tired than when you went to bed.

A good mattress provides proper support for your spine and helps you relax fully, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep that leaves you feeling refreshed.

Memory foam mattresses are great because they contour to your body and reduce strain on pressure points. Innerspring mattresses offer firm support with a structured feel, while hybrid options combine layers of foam and springs to balance cushioning and durability. Think about what works best for you.

Thickness also plays a big role in comfort. A mattress less than 10 cm thick might fold easily, but it can leave you or your guests feeling every spring or frame underneath. Aim for a mattress with enough depth to offer consistent support, typically around 12 cm or more.

If possible, try the mattress before buying — lie down, shift positions, and see how it feels. You might look a bit silly in the store, but you’ll thank yourself later on in the process.

Seat Cushion

Your sofa bed functions as a couch most of the time, so its cushions should be comfortable. If sitting feels awkward or stiff, the bed underneath won’t make up for it.

Seat comfort comes down to a few key factors: firmness, depth, filling material, and support system.

Firmness

Cushions that are too soft might feel cosy at first, but they lack the support needed for proper posture. You may get sore hips or a strained back after extended sitting. On the other hand, overly firm cushions can feel rigid and uninviting.

Go for medium-firm cushions that offer a supportive but comfortable balance, which is ideal for long conversations or casual lounging.

Depth

Standard depths range from 127 to 152 cm, but your choice depends on how you like to sit. Shallower seats work better for people who prefer sitting upright, while deeper cushions allow you to curl up or stretch out.

Filling Material

High-density foam offers good support and durability, while feather or fibre-filled cushions feel softer but may require frequent fluffing. A foam-and-fibre combo can offer both comfort and longevity.

Support System

Cushion support comes from what’s underneath. Sinuous springs or webbing create a solid base for the cushions, anchoring them and stopping them from sagging over time. Without a proper support system underneath, even the best cushions can lose their comfort quickly.

When considering a sofa bed, ask the manufacturer detailed questions about the cushions and support system. Many focus only on how the bed functions, skipping over the daily comfort you need from the couch. An honest and informed seller will explain everything clearly.

The Fold Out Mechanism

The mechanism is what often gave sofa beds a bad reputation in the past. They were bulky, noisy, and, frankly, an eyesore. Thankfully, modern designs have moved far away from those clunky frames. However, not all sofa beds will pass the test, which is why you need to know how they work before buying.

The two most common options today are pull-out and click-clack. Pull-out sofa beds have a compact design where the mattress is tucked under the seating area. They’re usually cushioned nicely for everyday sitting and designed to fold out neatly into a proper bed. You only have to pull the hidden frame out like a drawer. Meanwhile, the click-clack style transforms with a quick adjustment of the backrest.

Always test your sofa bed’s mechanism before buying. Fold and unfold it a few times to see how it works and if it’s something you’d feel comfortable using regularly.

Fabric

Another factor to keep in mind is maintenance. You can’t relax if your sofa bed looks messy, right? The fabric you choose will affect how simple it is to keep it looking tidy. When you’re picking a sofa bed, think about how much use it’ll get and what’s practical for your lifestyle.

For sofa beds that will see a lot of use or are placed in homes with pets, materials like microfiber or polyester blends are smart picks. They're durable, handle stains well, and are easy to clean without much effort.

If you're drawn to something softer to the touch, cotton or linen blends are great but require a bit more care to avoid wear and tear. Leather or faux leather is also a good option. It’s quick to wipe down and gives a sleek look.

"Steam cleaners can be great for deep cleaning. Always test in an inconspicuous area first,” - Jennifer Rodriguez.

Deep cleaning removes bacteria, pet dander, and allergens from your sofa bed while tackling any unpleasant odours. You should also avoid harsh, chemical-heavy cleaners. They're bad for the fabric and harmful to your health. Stick to mild, eco-friendly cleaning products, or use something simple like warm water and gentle dish soap.

Brand

Comfort starts with the brand you trust. At Furl, we’ve designed sofa beds that don’t just offer dual functionality — they go beyond. With a simple three-second motion, our sofa beds transform effortlessly from a cosy sofa into a full bed.

Pick from multiple seater options, choose the mattress type that suits you best, explore a wide range of fabrics, and even add storage if you need extra functionality. Yes, our sofa beds can do triple duty without compromising on design or practicality.

What sets Furl apart is our focus on customisation. From the armrests to the backrest, every detail can be tailored to your preference.

Final Words

Sofa beds aren’t uncomfortable anymore, but that’s only true if you choose the right one. Look for a mattress that offers good support, cushions that are comfortable to sit on for long periods, and a smooth mechanism that makes folding it out easy.