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4 Common Problems with Sofa Beds & Solutions

Written by Nicholas Carchidi | Dec 17, 2024 2:00:00 PM

Est. Reading Time: 7 Mins

Sofa beds are a versatile addition to any home, providing a comfortable seating option that doubles as a bed for overnight guests. However, like all furniture items, sofa beds come with their own set of potential problems.

At La-Z-Boy, we strive to ensure our products are durable and functional, but even our sofa beds are not without their challenges. Storm Shields, Service Department Supervisor at La-Z-Boy, notes that “Even La-Z-Boy products come with their own set of problems.”

This article outlines common problems that sofa bed owners, including La-Z-Boy customers, might encounter. We aim to educate you on these potential issues and provide practical solutions to address them.

Key Takeaways:


  • Sofa beds offer versatility and space-saving benefits, making them an excellent choice for small spaces or dual-purpose rooms.
  • Common issues include wear and tear on air mattress upgrades, sizing challenges, mechanism failures, and discomfort compared to regular beds.
  • Solutions include proper maintenance, careful room measurement, use of warranty services, and mattress upgrades.
  • La-Z-Boy sofa beds come with customization options and a range of mattress upgrades to enhance comfort.

 

In This Article…

  1.  Benefits of Sofa Beds
  2. Air Mattress Option
  3. Size of a Sofa Bed
  4. The Sofa Bed Mechanism Fails
  5. Sofa Bed Isn’t as Comfortable as a Regular Bed

 

 

Benefits of Sofa Beds

Before diving into the problems, it’s important to understand why sofa beds are a valuable addition to any home. 

First of all, a sofa bed's primary advantage lies in its versatility. These multifunctional frames seamlessly transition from stylish seating to functional sleeping space, making it an excellent choice for homes without dedicated guest rooms.

In addition to their multi-functional nature, sofa beds offer significant space efficiency. While they occupy more space when unfolded, they eliminate the need for both a sofa and a separate bed, making them perfect for compact spaces or rooms that need to serve multiple purposes.

Finally, La-Z-Boy sofa beds are designed with ease of use in mind. The process of converting a sofa into a bed is straightforward: simply remove the cushions and pull the handle located at the top middle section to reveal the hidden bed. This simple mechanism ensures convenience for both homeowners and their guests.


 

4 Common Problems with Sofa Beds at La-Z-Boy

Storm tells us that when it comes to complaints or problems relating to sofa beds, she does not encounter them often. However, there are certain things that do come up which might create a hindrance to the use of your sleeper sofa. 


1. Wear & Tear of the Air Mattress Upgrade

La-Z-Boy offers an air mattress upgrade for sofa beds. However, this feature can sometimes experience issues. Storm explains that the air pump’s “air bladder,” the component storing air, can develop holes over time. Similarly, the mattress itself may sustain damage with prolonged use.

Solution: Storm recommends using a bicycle patch kit to repair the air mattress rather than replacing the pump. These kits, available at stores like Canadian Tire for as little as $6.29, effectively patch small holes and extend the life of the mattress.

 


2. The Size of a Sofa Bed

Customers sometimes underestimate the space required for a sofa bed in its extended form. Storm emphasizes the importance of measuring both the sofa’s seated and unfolded dimensions to avoid size-related challenges.

Solution: Always measure your room to ensure the sofa bed will fit comfortably in both configurations. Refer to La-Z-Boy’s product descriptions online for exact dimensions, or check out our guide on How to Properly Measure a Room.

 


3. The Sofa Bed Mechanism Fails

The mechanism that transforms the sofa into a bed can occasionally fail due to rust, excessive pressure, or manufacturing issues. This may cause the mechanism to become stuck in either position.

Solution: La-Z-Boy’s Limited Lifetime Warranty covers mechanism failures. Contact the service department to arrange for repairs or a replacement mechanism. For added protection, consider purchasing an extended warranty plan.

 

4. Sofa Bed Isn't as Comfortable as a Regular Bed

Many users find sofa bed mattresses less comfortable than standard beds. Thin mattresses may allow hard components like bars and coils to be felt through the surface, reducing sleep quality.

Solution: Upgrade to a firmer mattress for enhanced comfort. La-Z-Boy offers a Supreme Comfort™ quilted innerspring mattress as standard, with options to upgrade to an air mattress or a firmer model. While comfort upgrades are not covered under warranty, damage caused by manufacturing defects is eligible for repair or replacement.

 

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