Just like with a regular bed, you can add a mattress topper to make the bed more comfortable. Alternatively, a spare duvet can double as a make-shift mattress topper. Throw pillows, blankets and throws can add comfort, and if the situation is really desperate, you can replace the mattress entirely.

Your average sofa bed might not feel as comfortable as a standard sofa, as the internal frame makes the seats feel firmer. A click-clack sofa bed often has a straighter back with less cushioning, so it isn’t as comfortable to lean back.

Look for a sofa bed with high-density seat cushions and softer back cushions for a better balance of comfort and support.

Measure the height, width, and length of the sofa when closed, as well as the height, width, and length of the sofa bed when opened.

Allow at least 30cm of clearance on one or both sides of the sofa so that your guests can comfortably get into and out of bed and move around the room.

If you want to use your sofa bed upstairs, measure the width and height of the staircase and doorways to make sure you can move it into position. If possible, measure the sofa bed in a showroom before you buy, as dimensions online may not always be accurate.