Most Common Problems with Sofa Beds and How to Fix Them

1. The 10 Biggest Sofa Bed Problems Solved!
2. The Mattress Feels Like Sleeping on a Rock (or a Trampoline)
3. Opening and Closing It Feels Like a Gym Workout
4. The Sofa Bed Squeaks Like an Old Door
5. The Mattress Keeps Sliding Around
6. Broken or Weak Support Bars
7. Upholstery is Worn, Torn, or Stained
8. It Smells Funky
9. Loose or Wobbly Armrests
10. Not Enough Storage for Bedding
11. It's Too Low (or Too High) Off the Ground
12. Wrap Up

Have you ever found yourself tossing and turning on a sofa bed that seemed more like an implement of torture than a sleeping surface? Be it a firm mattress, a stubborn unfolding mechanism, or those squeaks that become so pronounced every time one moves that it starts to feel almost symphonic, it is a head-scratcher with the sofa bed.

While these wonderful pieces save space perfectly in tiny apartments and for hosting guests for an overnight stay, some may not spell out comfort or everlasting durability. But there is hope; you do not have to wake up again in discomfort or lose your money for a new one. Just a few tweaks here and there can serve to create a sofa bed that offers a peaceful sleep.

Let's examine the common problems with sofa beds and the simplest ways to rectify them.

The 10 Biggest Sofa Bed Problems Solved!

1. The Mattress Feels Like Sleeping on a Rock (or a Trampoline)

One of the biggest complaints about sleeper sofas is the uncomfortable mattress. Some are too firm, others sag in the middle, and a few are so thin you feel the arms through the mattress. If sleeping on your sleeper sofa feels like a task, it's time to do something about it.

What You Can Do:

• Mattress Upgrade: Most sofa beds come with a low-density foam mattress that is unsuitable for long-term use. Consider replacing it with a memory foam or hybrid mattress that would provide extra support. 
  
• Mattress Topper: If a new mattress is not on your purchase agenda, a memory foam topper, 2-4 inches thick, could provide lots of comfort. 
  
• Reinforce the Base: Sometimes, it is the supporting bars rather than the mattress causing the trouble. If the bars dig into your back, you can even it by sliding a plywood board under the mattress.
  

2. Opening and Closing It Feels Like a Gym Workout

A good sleeper sofa opens and closes fairly smoothly. Over time, with high usage, its mechanism wears down. If yours sticks, jams, or practically begs brute force to be put to work, you're not the only one. 

Fix It Fast:

• Lubricate Moving Parts: Spray the hinges and joints with WD-40 or silicone. This reduces friction and helps the mechanism slide easily. 
  
• Check for Obstructions: Sometimes, a stray piece of fabric, an errant dust bunny or a small object finds their way into the frame, obstructing the opening of the sofa bed. Remove all obstacles from there. 
  
• Tighten Up Any Loose Screws: If you hear squeaking or feel resistance, loose screws could be the real troublemakers. A quick tight-up with a screwdriver makes a world of difference.
  

3. The Sofa Bed Squeaks Like an Old Door

When you finally sleep and move just a bit for the night turn, there's a Squeak! The entire house knew you had moved. An annoying sofa bed that squeaks can make life unbearable, yet there are some solutions to shut it up.

Here's How to Fix It:

• Lubrication: Using some dry graphite lubricant or silicone grease, spray the metal joints to help reduce noise.
  
• Tighten Loose Bolts: Bolts and screws do, over time, get loose; thus, they cause a friction problem between the various parts. Tighten everything up. 
  
• Add Felt or Rubber Washers: These may dampen noise from metal-to-metal contact.
  

4. The Mattress Keeps Sliding Around

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night lying off the mattress? The mattress keeps slipping since it does not hold securely; every time you toss and turn, it moves. 

Stop the Slip:

• Use Non-Slip Rug Pad: Putting grippy mats or rubberized rug pads under the mattress keeps it firmly in place. 
  
• Attach Velcro Strips: Stick adhesive Velcro strips to the corners of the mattress and frame for added grip.
  

5. Broken or Weak Support Bars

The frame or support bars might be at fault if your sofa bed is sagging or wobbly. An unstable frame is uncomfortable to sit on and shortens the life span of the furniture.

Reinforce the Frame:

• Put in a plywood board: a thin sheet of plywood under the mattress adds stability. 
  
• Replace damaged parts: if there are bent or broken bars, contact the manufacturer for replacements or visit a hardware store to reinforce them. 
  

6. Upholstery is Worn, Torn, or Stained

The sofa bed gets a lot of rough usage, spills, and scratches by pets; this sheer wear-and-tear over the fabric can start looking worn out and become a real eyesore.

Revive It Without Replacing It:

• Use a slipcover: A fitted slipcover gives your sofa bed an instant facelift while protecting the upholstery.
  
• Patch small tears: You can use a fabric repair kit or upholstery glue to mend torn fabric. 
  
• Deep clean the fabric: Fabric or steam cleaning removes dirt and stains.
  

7. It Smells Funky

The sofa beds can absorb everything from food and pet odors to general odors associated with usage. So, if your sofa is giving off unwanted smells, it could use a refresher. 

Odor-Busting Tips:

• Sprinkle Baking Soda: Let it stay for a couple of hours and vacuum it off to nullify the odor.
  
• Use Fabric Spray: A small spray from an aerosol fabric freshener can go a long way.
  
• Air It Out: If possible, take the mattress out to the sunshine; the sun helps kill bacteria and dry any possible moisture. 
  

8. Loose or Wobbly Armrests

Armsets, over time, become loose and shaky, which makes the whole sofa feel quite wobbly. 

Fix in Minutes:

• Tighten All Screws and Bolts: Go through the various fittings, and if anything appears loose, tighten it with the help of a screwdriver.
  
• Wood Glue for Wooden Frames: If the armrest is wooden, glue the weak joints with some wood glue.
  

9. Not Enough Storage for Bedding

While some sofa beds feature built-in storage, most do not, making stash pillows and blankets a hassle.

Smart Storage Solutions:

• Go for vacuum bags: These will shrink the size of comforters and pillows to fit into storage.
  
• Buy a storage ottoman: An ottoman that matches your decor can be equally chic and helpful in your living area.
  

10. It's Too Low (or Too High) Off the Ground

If a sofa bed is too low, it's a challenge getting up. If it is too high, then climbing it feels like a mini workout.

Adjust the Height:

• Put on adjustable legs: In many cases, furniture legs can be swapped out for taller or shorter options. 
  
• Use the platform or riser: If the sofa bed is too low, putting it on a good, sturdy platform will be helpful for elevation.
  

Wrap Up

While a sofa bed is a good piece of furniture in a home, it does have its problems, just like any other furniture. However, the silver lining is that most problems can be fixed in less than an hour and on a budget. Adding a mattress topper, tightening bolts, or placing a rug pad can enhance comfort and longevity immensely.

If your sofa bed is no longer feasible, it might be time to invest in a quality model. Sofabed.com offers an impressive array of comfortable, stylish, and durable sofa beds engineered to last.

Ready to find your perfect sofa bed? Browse our collection at Sofabed.com and improve your sleep experience today!