Sofa beds succeed in shift to 24-hour comfort

I remember as a child spending numerous nights at my grandmother's on the dreaded sofa bed. It would all start with the unbeatable battle of trying to get the bed open without having it flip closed - taking my hand with it.

Once open, it would feel as if I were sleeping in a straitjacket, since the sheets were tightly trapped in the folding mechanism. This wonderful experience would come to a close in the morning, with the challenge of attempting to fold the bed away, without being swallowed up or ripping the sheets.

Does this story sound familiar? Well, the good news is that the days of these horror stories are over. With more and more people using sofa beds as their every night spot to sleep. in space starved apartments, the industry, has been forced to design a , product that's good looking and user friendly.

Check three components

If you're thinking of buying a sofa bed, there are three components that you should cheek before mailing any decisions:

The Frame:

As with any piece of furniture, check how it's built and what it's made of. The frame provides the structural support and determines the shape of the convertible bed. Frames that last the longest are those made of kiln-dried wood. Kiln-drying is a treatment that reduces the moisture content of the lumber, strengthens the finished frame joints and inhibits splitting. For maximum strength the joints should be doweled, glued and screwed. Also look for corner blocks since they provide additional support.

The folding mechanism:

This is the key to the disappearing act. It works on the principle of a-scissor-type action and is made of tubular and formed steel. The mattress will rest directly on the folding mechanism since a box spring is. out of the question.

Decking on the mechanism is used to support the mattress. It's made from steel-link mesh, poly-Polypropylenes or a combination of the two. To protect the sheets from tearing a good mechanism won't have exposed edges that are sharp or rough. When the sofa converts to seating, the mechanism should be constructed so that it's not felt anywhere along the seat cushions.

Most mechanisms have a positive locking position after the first fold, which prevents the bed from flying open.

The mattress:

Choose the quality of the mattress based on whether it will be used occasionally or full time. Some retailers will substitute a mattress of a higher quality and charge the consumer the difference between the price of the original mattress and the improved replacement.

Check whether you can turn the mattress, since many used for convertible beds aren't reversible. Manufacturers tend to place all the padding on the top side to produce a better sleeping surface.

Before making any final decisions he sure to test what You're about to buy. If the sofa passes the sitting test and pull out the mechanism and inspect it and the mattress carefully. Lie down, to cheek the comfort factor. It may be embarrassing, but it could save backaches later.

While you're at it, have the salesperson tip the sofa up and cheek the underside. ; All of this may seem like a lot - of trouble, but a wise choice Will make a world of difference when your sofa bed is-working a 24-hour shift