Common Sofa Bed Problems and Practical Solutions

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Sofa beds are a popular choice for homes that need flexibility. They offer comfortable seating during the day and a convenient sleeping option for overnight guests. That said, like any piece of multifunctional furniture, sofa beds can come with a few common challenges.

At La-Z-Boy, we believe in being upfront about what to expect. As Storm Shields, Service Department Supervisor at La-Z-Boy, puts it, “Even well-made furniture like ours isn’t immune to wear over time. The key is knowing what’s normal and how to handle it.”

This article walks you through the most common sofa bed problems, explains why they happen, and shares practical solutions so you can feel confident about owning and maintaining a sofa bed.

Key Takeaways:

• Sofa beds are ideal for multi-purpose rooms, offering seating and sleeping in one frame.
• The most common issues include mattress wear, sizing mistakes, mechanism problems, and comfort concerns, especially for frequent use.
• Many sofa bed problems are easy to fix or prevent with proper care, measurements, and realistic expectations.
• La-Z-Boy sofa beds offer mattress upgrades and warranty coverage, helping improve comfort and longevity.
• Support from La-Z-Boy’s in-house service team makes resolving issues simpler if problems arise.

In This Article...

• Benefits of Sofa Beds
• Problem 1: Air Mattress Wear and Tear
• Problem 2: Sofa Bed Size and Fit Issues
• Problem 3: Sofa Bed Mechanism Failure
• Problem 4: Sofa Bed Comfort Compared to a Regular Bed

Benefits of Sofa Beds

Before getting into potential problems, it helps to understand why sofa beds remain such a popular option. Their biggest advantage is versatility. A sofa bed allows one room to serve multiple purposes, which is especially helpful in condos, apartments, basements, or home offices.

Sofa beds also offer space-saving convenience. Instead of dedicating space to both a couch and a guest bed, you get both in one piece of furniture.

At La-Z-Boy, sofa beds are designed with simple, user-friendly mechanisms, making it easy to convert the sofa into a bed by removing the cushions and pulling the handle.

Storm explains, “Most customers are surprised by how straightforward our sofa beds are to use. Once you’ve done it once or twice, it becomes second nature.”

Problem 1: Air Mattress Wear and Tear

Some La-Z-Boy sofa beds offer an air mattress upgrade, which allows users to adjust firmness for added comfort. While this feature is convenient, it can occasionally lead to issues over time.

According to Storm, “When we see air mattress problems, it’s usually small punctures in the air bladder, not a failure of the pump itself.” With regular use, minor wear is normal, especially if the mattress is inflated and deflated often.

Solution

In many cases, a simple bicycle patch kit is enough to fix small air leaks, saving you from replacing the entire mattress. These kits are inexpensive, easy to use, and can significantly extend the life of the air mattress. Storm adds that catching leaks early makes a big difference in long-term performance.

Problem 2: Sofa Bed Size and Fit Issues

One of the most common sofa bed frustrations happens before the sofa ever arrives. Customers sometimes measure only the sofa in its seated position and forget to account for how much space it needs once fully opened.

Storm often sees this during service calls, saying, “A lot of size issues come down to planning. People don’t always realize how far a sofa bed extends until it’s in their home.”

Solution

To avoid this issue, measure your room carefully in both configurations, seated and fully extended.

Always check product dimensions online or work with a La-Z-Boy sales consultant who can help you plan clear walkways and proper spacing. Taking a few extra minutes to measure can prevent major headaches later.

To learn more about How to Properly Measure a Room, take a look at this article.

Problem 3: Sofa Bed Mechanism Failure

The internal mechanism that allows a sofa bed to open and close is built to handle regular use, but like any moving part, it can wear over time. Issues can arise due to rust, excessive force, or general wear, sometimes causing the bed to get stuck open or closed.

Storm explains, “Mechanism issues aren’t something we see often, but when they happen, it’s usually because something has been stressed beyond normal use.”

Solution

The good news is that La-Z-Boy’s Limited Lifetime Warranty covers sofa bed mechanisms. If a mechanism fails, the service team can repair or replace the necessary parts.

Storm recommends contacting the service department as soon as you notice resistance or unusual movement, as early intervention can prevent further damage.

Problem 4: Sofa Bed Comfort Compared to a Regular Bed

Another common concern is comfort. While sofa beds are designed for sleeping, they may not feel exactly like a traditional mattress, especially if used frequently. Thinner mattresses can sometimes allow sleepers to feel bars or coils underneath.

Storm notes, “Most comfort complaints come from people who plan to use their sofa bed more often than they initially expected.”

Solution

If comfort is a priority, upgrading the mattress can make a noticeable difference. La-Z-Boy offers mattress options designed to improve support and reduce pressure points. While comfort upgrades are not typically covered under warranty, they are a worthwhile investment for customers who expect regular overnight use.

What's Next?

With any furniture product, you can’t always avoid potential problems, although we try our best. But fear not, there are always solutions to these problems if they do occur.

If you ever have a problem with a La-Z-Boy sofa bed or any furniture item we sell, do not hesitate to reach out to any of our Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston Locations. We are always there to lend a helping hand whenever you need it.

As always, the best way to ensure that a sofa bed and mattress are right for you is by coming in-store and taking a sit test. This will confirm if you like a certain furniture piece.

If you’re not sure if a sofa bed is right for you, our design consultants are eager to lend a helping hand. Further, consider taking advantage of our interior design services by coming in-store or by scheduling an appointment online.

If you want to further familiarize yourself with sleeper sofas at La-Z-Boy, take a look at our Comprehensive Sofa Buyer’s Guide.

Related Articles:

Review of the Kennedy Queen Sleeper Sofa

Murphy Bed vs. Sofa Bed

Review of the Laurel Sofa Bed