When shopping for a metal sofa bed, keep in mind the singular and plural uses of the product. Essentially, you are buying and testing two pieces of furniture, a sofa and a bed.

　　Both pieces are important purchases and should be carefully considered. If the couch is intended for everyday use, it should pass the sit test. It should also be durable.

　　Consider the functionality of the mattress. Will it be your main sleeping surface, or will it be used infrequently? Select a sofa bed with a quality mattress that works best for your body and sleep requirements.

　　Do you prefer:

　　A firm, supportive spring foam mattress with a support system of coils and a polyurethane layer.

　　A body-conforming memory foam mattress.

　　A combination of the air mattress and innerspring technology.

　　The queen-size mattress is the most widely available sofa bed and will seat three and sleep two or more people. The queen-size mattress when open will measure 84 inches wide and about 90 inches long.

　　The average thickness of the sofa bed mattress is 4.5 inches, roughly half as thick as the standard size mattress.

　　For limited space, a twin-size bed would work. The mattress is less than five feet wide and 39-inches long.

　　The bed frame will take a lot of wear and tear while being converted from a sofa to a bed and vice versa. A durable frame is very important.

　　If you are purchasing a sofa bed from a physical location, practice converting the bed from sofa to sleeping surface. Test for firmness and ensure comfort by sitting on the sofa and laying on the mattress.

　　Ask yourself: Is the frame easy to pull out? Do the cushions lie flat to create a smooth surface? Does the mattress remove easily from its hiding place?

　　Size Matters

　　Perhaps the two most important things to consider when buying the most comfortable sleeper sofa are the size (does it fit into the intended area) and usability (what is the purpose of the purchase.)

　　Keep in mind where you will be putting the sofa bed. A sofa for the living room may be more of a focal point than a sofa for a den or a spare bedroom. Consider the upholstery and if the sofa matches the existing furniture.

　　As with any purchase, you should carefully research the product before you buy or order online. Here are some points to think about as you consider your options:

　　Set a budget

　　Consider the purpose of the purchase; Decide what sofa bed will work best for you, based on the size of the living area

　　Measure the space available for the sofa

　　Measure the space available space for the bed

　　Practice converting the sofa to a bed, and vice versa

　　Do the sit test on the sofa

　　Do the lay test on the bed

　　Talk to experts, family, and friends regarding the quality of the product

　　Use online forums or chat rooms to discuss both the pros and cons of sofa beds

　　Talk to retailers about warranties and return/repair policies

　　Read reviews; and

　　Check out the websites that offer wide ranges of brand names and product lines