Franck Wang 
There’s no doubt about it – a sleeper sofa is the most versatile piece of furniture you’ll ever own. Whether you have a guest dropping by or simply want another space-saving sleeping option, there’s a sleeper out there that’s bound to meet all your needs.
I’ve compiled a list of the three most important things you need to consider before buying a sleeper sofa to ensure that your guests are comfortable – based on experience.
Space Limitations
Sleeper sofas are a must-have if the space is limited in your home – but you must be aware of the space you have available before you buy one. So, how do I choose the right size sleeper sofa?
I always consider if the sofa bed will fit in an area while it is fully open, and I always make sure it won’t limit foot traffic and cause stubbed toes while it’s fully extended. If space is not a concern, I would choose the largest size available. Let’s take a more detailed look at the size options.
For Smaller Spaces
If your space is limited, you might want to look into getting a twin-size sofa bed. At less than 5 feet wide, they are great if you only need to sleep one person.
When a twin sofa bed is fully extended, it runs around 54 inches wide and 85 inches long. This smaller-sized sofa bed is sometimes referred to as a “chair and a half” or simply as a chair bed. Bear in mind though, these smaller sleepers aren’t always less expensive than their larger counterparts.
For Larger Spaces
When space isn’t a problem, you can afford to opt for the most widely available option: a queen-size sleeper sofa. The great thing about these popular sleepers is that you can find them in a variety of fabrics and styles that will suit your living room décor, and you can also choose what type of mattress you’d prefer.
A queen-size sleeper sofa can seat three people comfortably when it’s in its folded form and can sleep two people when fully extended. From arm to arm, a queen sleeper sofa can measure up to 84 inches wide – but when it’s fully extended, it can reach 90 inches depending on the style.
Sleeper Sofa for guest
Mattress Size
Sofa beds come in a variety of sizes and formats – from sectionals to ottoman pull-outs. If the sleeper sofa is going to be used every night, I recommend opting for a full-size sleeper sofa because a twin-size may become uncomfortable for everyday use.
I’ve found that a full-size sleeper couch is still a good option for smaller spaces because it’s about the size of a regular sofa or love seat when it’s folded up.
Mattress Type
When purchasing a sleeper sofa, consider whether it will be used primarily for sitting or for sleeping. If it will be used mainly for sleeping, it’s important to look into what kind of mattress it has.
Gel memory foam is firm but cushiony. It’s cooler than traditional memory foam, which is something to consider if you live in a hot climate. Traditional memory foam is ideal for relieving pressure points, but it’s known to feel hot to sleep on. Polyurethane foam is affordable, and its density may help if you’re looking for added comfort.
Air over coil, or an air mattress, is inflatable and highly customizable – however, it may require more maintenance than other mattresses. Innerspring mattresses are standard coil mattresses with padding – these are not usually used in sleeper sofas. Latex is firm and eco-friendly but, like memory foam, it tends to run hot.
