Can I Sleep On A Sofa Bed Every Night?
TABLE OF CONTENT
- Who Can Use A Sofa Bed Every Night?
- Advantages Of Using A Sleeper Sofa
- Who Shouldn't Use A Sofa Bed For Sleeping On A Daily Basis?
- A Quick Checklist To Ensure Your Sofa Bed Suits Every Day Use
- How Comfortable Is The Mattress?
- How Well Is It Made?
- Check The Backbone Of The Sofa Bed, Aka The Frame
- Final Words
We understand why this question has popped into your mind. You are wondering if sofa beds or sleeper sofas are realistic, long-term sleeping solutions.
Let's be honest: sofa beds weren't that good earlier. They are temporary beds with mostly the back side made flat. But now the game has changed. Sofa beds, or sleeper sofas, have evolved to a greater extent that you can even use them for daily use. There's a catch.
The sofa bed should be made of high-quality materials and should be easy to open too.
This article gives you the important questions you should ask if you are planning to use a sofa bed every night.
Who Can Use A Sofa Bed Every Night?
We know that not everyone can use a sofa bed daily for sleeping. The number one rule that makes the sofa bed fit for sleeping every night is how well-made it is. The sofa beds are made of high-quality materials, be it cushions, mattresses or frames. Only then can they handle daily use.
1. Are You A Solo Sleeper?
If you are a light sleeper, sleeping alone and don't toss and turn too much, a good quality sofa bed can work fine.
2. Are You A Minimalist?
Or dwelling in a small space? In that case, to maximize space, a sofa bed is a solid option.
3. Best For Occasional Guests
Some people get this question: "Can I sleep on a sleeper sofa every night?" because they want to ensure that their guests or relatives might feel comfortable when they sleep on it. A good-quality sofa bed is always a good choice.
Advantages Of Using A Sleeper Sofa
1. Sofa Beds Are Space-Saving Solutions
One of the biggest perks of having a sofa bed every night is how much space it saves. If you live in a tiny apartment, a studio, or are just trying your best to save space in your small room, this dual furniture is a big win.
Plus, when you aren't using the pull-out mattress, you can fold it up and save space.
2. Multi-Functionality
You get two furniture pieces blended into one. A sofa bed is not just for sleeping. As the name insists, it has a sofa. So, during the daytime, you can lounge on it. When it's nighttime, you can simply flip the bed and sleep.
3. Pocket-Friendly
Investing in a sofa bed can be more cost-effective than investing in a sofa and a bed separately. Especially if you're setting up a new home or furnishing a small space on a budget, a well-made sleeper sofa can save your pocket while also providing immense comfort and practicality.
4. Easy To Move And Rearrange
Compared to traditional beds, sofa beds are generally easier to move and reposition. If you like changing up your space or need to rearrange furniture, a sofa bed offers more flexibility.
Who Shouldn't Use A Sofa Bed For Sleeping On A Daily Basis?
1. Health Issues
Sofa beds are not highly recommended for people dealing with chronic back or joint issues. Because those that come with thin mattresses or improper folding mechanisms can cause lumps and uneven surfaces, they can aggravate back pain or joint problems. Better consult with your doctor once.
2. Individuals With Limited Mobility Or Elderly
The process of pulling out or folding up the sofa bed can be physically challenging too. As they have to bend down and pull out the sofa bed and lower it down.
3. Heavy Sleepers
These types of individuals often need thick mattresses of at least 10 to 12 inches or at least 8 inches. If you can find sofa beds with mattresses of this thickness, well and good. But if not, it's not the best choice for them.
A Quick Checklist To Ensure Your Sofa Bed Suits Every Day Use
If you are planning to purchase the sofa bed for the first time, look for these factors. If you already own one and want to confirm if it fits your daily use, again check for these factors.
1. How Comfortable Is The Mattress?
If you are planning to use the sofa bed daily, it's obvious that you should check the sofa bed mattress. Many sofa beds come with a firm mattress or, worst case, it can be firm, leading to discomfort or back pain if used nightly.
Know that the best mattress thickness is often influenced by your body type, sleeping position and personal preferences.
- If you are a side sleeper or someone who has a lighter body weight, a mattress of around 5 to 6 inches or less is enough for a good night's sleep.
- If you are a back or stomach sleeper or a heavier individual, look for a thicker mattress of around 8 to 10 inches.
This is subject to change based on individuals. It's better to have a word with the retailer, as they can guide you on this.
2. How Well Is It Made?
Mattresses that are made of basic foam or innerspring materials might fail to last for extended use.
We recommend going for memory foam mattresses as they can conform to your body and provide excellent support and relieve pressure points while you sleep. Besides this, they are also durable and less likely to sag over time. This way it tops the list for daily use.
Gel-infused memory foam is next level. Are you someone who gets hot and sweaty while sleeping on mattresses? If so, you should pick gel-infused memory foam. It has all the benefits of regular memory foam but stays cooler during the night.
Did you know? Memory foam is often the go-to choice in sofa beds because it is compact and fits well into the folding mechanism without taking chances on comfort.
Hybrid mattresses are also a great choice. The mattress that's made of memory foam or latex with a pocketed innerspring system offers you the support of coils and the comfort of foam. This makes it ideal if you prefer one that gives a slightly bouncier feel.
Important note:
In some sofa beds, the back would be made flat and can be used as a bed. Let's be very clear straight away. Since they lack a mattress and are just made of cushions, they can provide bed-like comfort. It can be used just for emergencies for a day or two and not more than that.
3. Check The Backbone Of The Sofa Bed, Aka The Frame
If you are planning to use the sofa bed every night, the frame needs to be extra strong to handle the daily wear and tear. Otherwise, with very little use, it can start to squeak, sag or fall apart after a few months.
Metal Frames
This is a solid choice, as you already know that metal is sturdy and built to last and can easily handle a lot of weight and, importantly, won't warp or crack over time.
Plus, you won't hear any annoying creaks when you move around at night. So, it's best to look for frames made from high-quality steel with reinforced joints for extra durability.
Hardwood Frames
This is the second-best thing. If you are leaning towards something that's more classic and cozy, hardwood frames are an excellent choice. Hardwood means those that are made of solid wood, like oak, maple, or birch and not those made of particleboard or MDF. Hardwood frames are usually durable and you don't have to worry about that factor.
Also check: The support system (like the base beneath the mattress) is just as important as the mattress itself. A well-designed sleeper sofa should provide an even surface without any sagging or lumps. This problem is quite common in older models.
Important Note:
Strictly stay away from flimsy frames that are made of low-quality wood or lightweight metals. It's because they can bend, leave cracks and easily break or just feel unstable over time.
Final Words
Coming back to your question, "Can I sleep on a sofa bed every night?" The answer is yes. But the sofa bed you have or are planning to invest in should be in good shape.
Many sofa beds come with high-quality mattresses that give the same bed-like support, so you don't have to worry about anything. Lastly, it’s also recommended to fold and unfold the sofa bed a few times to see if the mechanism is smooth and the frame feels solid. Because the good frame won't feel shaky or make you work too hard to open and close it.
At Jennifer Furniture, we have a handpicked list of the best sofa beds; do check them out.
