One of the main conditions for good health and well-being is eight hours of sleep every day. During sleep, the body rests, recovers, and we prepare for new achievements. Therefore, choosing the right place to sleep is quite an important task and not as simple as it seems at first glance.
The sofa should meet your needs and preferences, be comfortable and practical. Usually, first of all, furniture is selected according to external parameters in accordance with the general style of the room. But if you need a full-fledged place to sleep every day, you need to take into account many factors and nuances.
We figure out how not to make a mistake with the size and shape, find a reliable transformation mechanism, suitable filling and upholstery.
Size and shape
A berth with a width of 140 cm is suitable for a comfortable sleep for one person. For two – at least 160 cm. The minimum length should be 190-200 cm. Before purchasing, it is advisable to check whether it is comfortable enough for you or whether you need to choose a product of a different size.
A straight or corner sofa is suitable for daily sleep. They are considered the most convenient. It is better not to use modular, semicircular, island models. Such sofas are appropriate in living rooms, but are not very comfortable for sleeping.
Sofa designs
Another important parameter is the design. Now in stores there are a large number of models with different design features; in order to answer which sofa is better to choose, you need to understand the features of different types.
One-piece sofas are considered the simplest and most common. They can be a monolithic structure, or have a folding mechanism. Most models have a straight shape; angular types are also classified as stationary (solid). In general, they can have almost any shape.
The main advantage of most models is the possibility of universal use. They combine a seating area and a sleeping surface. Although there are also models used only as seats. Among the disadvantages, we can mention the impossibility of changing the shape; all sofas of this type are massive, which limits their use in some cases.
Modular varieties consist of individual elements. A certain sequence is made up of them, and depending on the specific situation, the form can be quickly changed by simply rearranging the modules. All elements can be used as separate pieces of furniture, for example, as armchairs. Another advantage is ease of transportation; individual modules are much easier to load and transport.
They often do not have a sleeping place, which limits functionality. The cost is usually higher than that of stationary sofas. There are also far fewer models on sale, limiting your options.
Furniture frame
The high frequency of use of the sofa and significant loads leave their mark on the requirements for the frame. It should be strong enough and not make any extraneous sounds when used.
A wooden frame is preferably made of beech, oak, walnut or birch. Although budget models on the market are more often presented with a frame made of chipboard and wooden blocks.
From the metal frame options, it is better to choose a welded one. The bolted bases will have to be tightened periodically to avoid squeaking.
Filler type
Depending on the type of filler, there are spring and synthetic blocks. If you want an orthopedic base for sleeping, choose a sofa with a spring block.
Dependent spring blocks are less convenient, but preferable in terms of price. The springs in such a block depend on each other and can quickly stretch.
Independent blocks have a more pronounced orthopedic effect. They have a significant service life and have increased comfort.
Synthetic fillers, such as padding polyester or foam rubber, sag over time and require replacement. Only latex has good performance; it is hypoallergenic and holds its shape perfectly.
Mechanisms of transformation
The book sofa has a time-tested, reliable mechanism that will last for a long time. However, when unfolding, the sleeping area may seem insufficiently level, divided into two halves.
The Eurobook has a more advanced structure. This sofa is easy to unfold, comfortable to sleep, the sleeping area is flat and comfortable.
The pantograph has all the advantages inherent in a Eurobook. The main difference is that the mechanism “walks” without touching the floor. The disadvantage is the high price of the product.
Sofas with an accordion mechanism fold out like an accordion, compact when folded and spacious when unfolded. Their metal frame has a large margin of safety.
Dolphin is a model of increased comfort and compact dimensions when folded. However, the service life of the mechanism is no more than seven years.
The withdrawable telescope model is simple and reliable to use. The lower part extends, the resulting niche is filled with mattress parts. A low-lying sleeping place is not always convenient for older people.
Deciding on the folding mechanism
When choosing a sofa, we often focus not on its ease of use, but on its appearance. It can be very beautiful, infinitely comfortable for sitting, infinitely comfortable for lying down, and even have orthopedic properties. But if it is equipped with a disgusting transformation mechanism, then all its advantages will be reduced to zero. Moreover, some mechanisms are designed for occasional rather than daily use.
In order to learn to understand the transformation mechanisms, you need to find out what they are called and how they are laid out. To do this, we will give examples of nine of the most common mechanisms and talk about their advantages and disadvantages. Attention will also be paid to the presence of orthopedic properties in sofas with certain mechanisms.
Book
The book sofa is a comfortable orthopedic sofa for daily sleep.
Its main advantage is its extreme simplicity. It has only two moving parts, making it reliable. Even an untrained user can transform the sofa into a lying position - you can easily do it alone, without outside help. It also forms a smooth surface - both halves have equal thickness, which is very important when creating a surface with orthopedic properties. There were also a couple of drawbacks:
- During the transformation process, some models have to be moved away from the wall, as they become wider;
- Comfortable sleep is often hampered by a small depression that remains between the halves of the sofa book when unfolded.
Otherwise, the sofa book is quite suitable for daily sleep.
Eurobook
When choosing a sofa for sleeping with an orthopedic mattress, you cannot help but turn your attention to models with a “Eurobook” transformation mechanism.
This mechanism is a modernized version of the previous mechanism we described and is free from some of its shortcomings. For example, a Eurobook sofa does not need to be moved away from the wall, which was achieved due to the retractable front part - it moves forward, after which the back is installed in its place (there is also a drawer for linen, which is not in a regular “book”). If it was possible to get rid of some shortcomings, then it will not be possible to remove the ill-fated depression between the halves in this mechanism - it is still there, disturbing some users. However, the list of shortcomings can end here, which indicates the thoughtfulness of the design. Therefore, we will smoothly move on to the “dolphin” mechanism.
Dolphin
Recently, sofas with a dolphin mechanism have become incredibly popular.
They are found both in the cheapest model ranges and in the most expensive ones. With their appearance, they involuntarily inspire respect - their height is quite large. Transformation occurs by pushing the second half out from under the first and then lifting it up. It turns out that the second half seems to emerge from under the first and one side rests against the first half. The dolphin sofa can be transformed without outside help, without making any effort at all. But in the barrel of honey we found several fly in the ointment (that is, shortcomings):
- The linen box is present only in side models;
- Large height of the sofa;
- The height difference between all parts of the sofa (including the side part).
If the first two disadvantages can be neglected, then height differences in some models can cause serious discomfort.
If you have your eye on a sofa with a “dolphin” transformation mechanism, evaluate the quality of the mechanism right in the store - make sure that the sofa does not create serious differences in height around the sleeping surfaces.
Click-clack
Transformation mechanisms with the strange name “click-clack” got their name due to the sound they make. Despite their complexity, these mechanisms are reliable. But you will have to get used to the transformation process - not every person will be able to put it into the desired state the first time. But, unlike other mechanisms, there are three (sometimes five) working states - sitting, reclining and lying down .
It is recommended to choose the middle position for evening relaxation in front of the TV, when you want to relax in a “reclining” state. The main advantage is that the surface of the bed is very smooth. There are no kinks, depressions or distortions in height. As for the disadvantages, these are difficulties in mastering the operating principle of the transformation mechanism.
If you are looking for a high-quality sofa for sleeping every day, then a sofa with a click-clack mechanism will be the best choice - it is reliable and forms a comfortable surface. Sofas with orthopedic bases with wooden slats deserve special attention.
Roll-out
Roll-out orthopedic sofas are highly reliable.
They can be transformed at least 10 times a day - they can easily withstand such “loads”. They consist of two halves, one of them is under the other. When transforming a sofa, its seat moves forward, after which its upper half is thrown back. The back does not take any part in the transformation process, which is a definite plus - when unfolded, the sofa cannot be distinguished from a full double bed. Among the advantages we can add a flat surface for sleeping - here we will not find the hollows and bends characteristic of many other mechanisms. But the thing is that over time they may appear. This is due to the use of foam rubber, which sags over the years, changing the height of the sofa halves. Also, the list of disadvantages can include the high cost of withdrawable mechanisms.
Accordion
Are you looking for a sofa for sleeping with an orthopedic mattress and an excellent transformation mechanism?
Then you need to pay attention to sofas with an accordion mechanism. They are distinguished by reliability and increased strength. Their mechanisms are easily transformed without extra effort and are resistant to breakage. Accordion sofas take up minimal space, but when unfolded they form a spacious and very flat surface, which is achieved due to the same height of the individual elements. The transformation happens like this - the seat and backrest move forward and fold into a horizontal surface, and the backrest itself consists of two halves. Not without its drawbacks:
- Over time, the mechanism may become squeaky and will require lubrication;
- The need for empty space in front of the sofa - it folds forward and takes up quite a lot of space;
- The total weight of people lying on the sofa cannot exceed 180 kg - if you sleep together and your total weight is more than normal, you should take a closer look at more durable models.
However, under certain conditions these shortcomings are extremely frivolous.
Turning
This category includes rather unusual sofas that fold out by turning one part towards the other. As a result, a fairly roomy corner sofa turns into a good bed. The main advantage of such a mechanism is its simplicity. Also, it should be noted that during the transformation process a flat surface is formed. Such sofas are often equipped with orthopedic mattresses and can be used for daily sleep .
Some models have one or two drawers for linen, which are quite spacious. An interesting fact is that such sofas are rare - they are practically never found on sale. They have an extremely interesting design, so they fit well into rooms with unusual interiors. But the sleeping surface of such sofas turns out to be very narrow. It will be very comfortable to sleep here alone, but if you fall asleep together, you will have to jostle with your elbows and other protruding parts of your body all night.
French folding bed
Someone once decided to cross a sofa with a folding bed to create an unusual hybrid with a beautiful name.
But there is nothing good hidden behind this name. Sofas with a French folding mechanism consist of two halves - a quite durable base with a back, and a flimsy folding bed of three halves that open forward in the manner of an advertising booklet. The folding bed is really very flimsy, so daily use is out of the question. The cot itself can be metal or wood, with armor. To transform, you will have to remove all the pillows from the sofa. A thin mattress that does not have pronounced orthopedic properties is placed on the sleeping place - its thickness is a maximum of 50-60 mm. Therefore, we can consider such sofas as a temporary or guest solution.
If you want to choose a high-quality, reliable and durable sofa for daily sleep, then you will have to pass by the “French folding bed” - its only advantage is its compactness when folded.
American folding bed
Sofas with the “American folding bed” mechanism are slightly different from the “French folding bed”.
They are more reliable, as they are designed for loads of up to 200-250 kg. They can be laid out every day without fear of frequent breakdowns. But the presence of many metal parts is still scary. But when folded, we can count on extreme compactness. The bases of such sofas have recently been made using wooden armor, so we can safely say that they have orthopedic properties. The disadvantage of “American folding beds” is that they require special mattresses that are resistant to frequent transformation and 180-degree bends. And most often, such mattresses have a minimum thickness - no more than 50-60 mm. But these sofas can please you with a variety of design solutions.
If you are recommended to sleep on a hard base, then you can forget about the “American folding bed” - you won’t be able to roll up a hard mattress to fold this sofa.
Upholstery material
The upholstery of a sofa for frequent use must first of all be of high quality, durable, dense and practical. Fabrics such as tapestry, matting, jacquard are suitable. They are easy to clean, resistant to abrasion, and pleasant to the touch. It is advisable to use a removable cover, especially if there are small children in the house.
The choice of our sofas for daily sleep will satisfy even the most demanding customers, and the wide functionality and high quality of the products will allow you to enjoy sound, healthy sleep for many years.
Upholstery materials - types, what to look for when choosing
Upholstery can also be different, let's look at which one is best to use and in what cases. In general, expert advice is limited to some recommendations on the technical characteristics of upholstery materials; they generally advise focusing on personal taste preferences.
Microfiber upholstered sofas are now popular. The material is durable and reliable, is not afraid of cat claws, and wool practically does not stick to furniture. But it strongly absorbs odors, so you should not purchase products with this finish for kitchens.
For other fabrics, you can pay attention to tapestry trims. This fabric is universal. It is not at all afraid of contamination, it can be quickly cleaned using any substance. Environmentally friendly material, it can be used in children's rooms.
Velor looks good, but wears out quickly. It should not be used in rooms where sofas are used intensively. Also, cats deal with such upholstery quite quickly.
Eco-leather would be an excellent option. Modern material, looks good, resistant to moisture and dirt. Ideal for the kitchen or nursery. Although such furniture gets along with cats with difficulty. In an office, a sofa trimmed with eco-leather will look good.
It’s not enough to choose a finishing material. It is necessary to see how high quality the finishing is done. Be sure to inspect the product for ties, crooked stitches and other defects. Uneven distribution of staples and material tears are common.
