A sleeper sofa is one of the trickiest furniture purchases. You’re looking for a piece of furniture that looks great in the living room, is comfortable to sit on in the evening, and is truly restful for sleeping—whether you’re hosting guests or using it as your everyday bed. Most sofa beds on the market compromise on one of these three criteria. This guide will help you choose a model that doesn’t.
Mechanisms: fold-out, BZ, fold-down backrest
Before making a choice, it’s helpful to understand the different mechanisms available on the convertible furniture market. They determine sleeping comfort, ease of use in everyday life, and the furniture’s lifespan.
Recliner: The backrest lowers to two successive positions—reclined or flat. The sleeping surface consists of the seat and backrest when assembled. For occasional use. Often features a noticeable central bar against the back. Not recommended for intensive daily use as a bed.
Fold-down backrest: The backrest folds down completely to form the sleeping surface. Simple mechanism; quick and smooth deployment. Suitable for regular or daily use. This is the mechanism used in Kipli’s FOLIA and CLOUD sofas. Built-in storage for a comforter and pillows.
BZ: The mattress is stored under the seat and unfolds independently. The sleeping surface is completely separate from the sofa’s frame. Optimal for everyday sleeping. Superior mattress comfort. This is the PALM Kipli sofa system.
Futon: A fixed frame with a futon on top that tilts. An economical option. The futon wears out faster than a real natural latex mattress.
Our recommendation: For everyday sleeping, choose the BZ mechanism (separate mattresses) or the fold-down backrest with a natural latex mattress. Both of these systems offer true comfort at night without compromising the quality of the seating when the sofa is in the seating position.
The Deciding Factor: Mattress Quality
This is where most convertible beds on the market fall short. A low-quality polyurethane foam mattress sags quickly and creates pressure points that disrupt sleep. You wake up feeling stiff, even after a short night’s sleep.
For a truly comfortable night’s sleep, the material of the mattress is key. Natural latex is the best option: it conforms to the body’s contours without sagging, offers excellent sleep independence, and has natural breathability that regulates temperature throughout the night. Naturally dust-mite-resistant and antibacterial, it is also recommended for people with allergies.
All Kipli sleeper sofas feature a mattress or seat made of 100% natural latex (density: 85 kg/m³) designed for regular overnight use, not just as a temporary sleeping arrangement. The latex is sourced from Sri Lanka from the Hevea brasiliensis, a tropical tree grown without chemical treatments.
Avoid uncertified polyurethane foam mattresses, synthetic fiber fillings, and models that do not specify density. A good sofa bed mattress should clearly indicate its material and density. If the density is below 60 kg/m³, the foam will sag quickly.
Dimensions: Calculate the sleeping area you need
Your sofa bed mattress must be at least 190 cm long. If it’s shorter than that, your feet will hang off the edge, and you’ll find yourself in an uncomfortable position without being able to stretch out fully. This is the first thing to check before making a purchase.
As for width, it all depends on how you plan to use it. For occasional use by one person, 80 cm is sufficient. For daily use by one person, allow for at least 90 cm. For two people, 140 cm is the recommended minimum, which corresponds exactly to the sleeping surfaces of the Kipli FOLIA (145x200 cm) and CLOUD (140x200 cm) models.
Also, be sure to measure the available depth in your room once the sofa bed is fully extended. Some models require up to 2.50 m of clearance in front of them. Check the dimensions when the sofa bed is fully extended before purchasing.
Occasional sleeping (1 person): Recommended width 80 cm, minimum length 190 cm.
Daily sleeping arrangements (1 person): Recommended width of at least 90 cm; minimum length of 190 cm.
For two people, regular use: Recommended width of at least 140 cm; minimum length of 200 cm.
Fabric and Construction: Durability and Materials
A sleeper sofa gets twice as much use as a traditional sofa: you sit on it, unfold it, fold it back up, and lie down on it. As a result, a poorly designed model wears out twice as fast. The choice of materials isn’t just a matter of aesthetics—it’s a matter of durability.
Fabric: Natural vs. Synthetic
Natural linen is the best fabric for a high-quality sofa. Its fibers are naturally wear-resistant, breathable, and lint-free. The PALM sofa by Kipli is made with linen from Lemaitre Demeestere, a French weaver based in northern France since 1835—a material that ages gracefully and never goes out of style.
The FOLIA and CLOUD models are available in fabric made from recycled polyester, organic cotton, and linen for certain colors, or 100% cotton for others. In all cases, no synthetic foam is used in the filling.
The frame: solid wood
When it comes to the frame, solid beech is our standard. Unlike frames made of particleboard, solid wood does not deteriorate when exposed to moisture, does not crack, and retains its rigidity over the long term. A well-constructed frame ensures that the mechanism remains smooth even after hundreds of uses.
Removable covers: an often-overlooked feature A sleeper sofa with removable covers is much easier to maintain and will last longer. On the PALM, the covers are fully removable and replaceable piece by piece; if one section is stained, you can replace it individually without having to replace the entire cover. The FOLIA and CLOUD models can be cleaned with a damp cloth and Marseille soap. Avoid using any chemical products on these fabrics.
The seat: daytime comfort is not compromised
A common pitfall with convertible sofas: the mattress is fine, but the seat is uncomfortable when in sofa mode. It’s too firm, too saggy, or the armrests are at the wrong height and don’t support the elbows properly.
On the FOLIA and CLOUD models, the seat and backrest are made of 100% natural latex (85 kg/m³) supported by steel springs—a filling that provides soft comfort upon sitting and long-lasting support. Seat height: 42 cm (FOLIA) / seat depth: 60 cm. Comfortable enough to sit in all evening.
On the PALM, the seat cushions are made of cotton percale filled with recycled feathers and feature a foam base; the natural latex is in the sleeping mattress, not in the seat cushions. The backrest is made of cotton percale filled with recycled feathers. Seat height: 45 cm / seat depth with cushion: 64 cm.
Maintenance: What Extends the Lifespan
A well-maintained sleeper sofa can last fifteen to twenty years. Here are a few practical tips, depending on the model.
PALM: Fully removable linen cover; dry cleaning recommended. If a stain persists, the affected cover can be replaced individually. The mattress cover is also removable and dry-cleanable.
FOLIA and CLOUD: To remove stains, use a damp cloth with Marseille soap. Avoid using any chemical products on the fabric.
For all models: Air out the mattress regularly by leaving the sofa unfolded for a few minutes. This helps remove moisture and preserves the properties of natural latex. Avoid folding and unfolding it abruptly—a well-designed mechanism requires no effort.
Kipli Sofa Beds
Discover the full line of Kipli sleeper sofas. Each model is made with natural latex and contains no synthetic foam, ensuring a sleeping surface that doesn't compromise on quality.
PALM Convertible Sofa
Made in France. 100% natural latex mattress (12 cm, density 85 kg/m³), dust-mite-resistant and antibacterial. Top layer made of cotton percale and recycled feathers. French linen fabric by Lemaitre Demeestere (since 1835). Fully removable cover. EcoInstitut and LGA certified. Available in 3-seater (217 cm wide when open) and 4-seater (217 cm wide when open) sizes. Free of synthetic foam and chemical flame retardants. Discover the PALM
FOLIA Convertible Sofa
Made in Poland, 4-seater. Seat and backrest made of 100% natural latex (density 85 kg/m³), supported by steel springs. Sleeping surface: 145x200 cm. Solid beech frame. Built-in storage under the sofa for comforters and pillows. Includes 5 decorative cushions. Simple and smooth fold-down backrest mechanism. Available in several colors. Discover the FOLIA
FOLIA Convertible Sofa with Wooden Base
Made in Poland, sleeps 4. Same features as the FOLIA, with a solid oak base for a more elegant look and added height. Sleeping area: 145x200 cm. Solid beech frame + oak base. Discover the FOLIA with a wood base
FOLIA Corner Sofa Bed
Made in Poland, 3/4-seater. Corner configuration for large living rooms. Converts into a bed with built-in storage. Seat and backrest made of 100% natural latex (density 85 kg/m³). Sleeping surface: 145x200 cm. Solid beech frame. Dimensions: 240 cm long, depth with corner section 145 cm. Discover the FOLIA corner sofa
CLOUD Sofa Bed
Made in Poland, seats 4. Seat and backrest made of 100% natural latex (density 85 kg/m³), supported by steel springs. Sleeping surface: 140x200 cm. Solid beech frame. Built-in storage. Fold-down backrest mechanism. Dimensions when closed: 230x103x87 cm. Discover the CLOUD
Criteria for a sofa bed recommended for daily use
- A mattress or padding made of natural latex, not polyurethane foam
- A sleeping surface measuring at least 140x190 cm for two people
- A smooth-operating fold-down backrest mechanism, or BZ, that unfolds effortlessly
- A solid beech or oak wood frame —not particleboard
- A durable, natural fabric —preferably linen or organic cotton—with a removable cover
- A comfortable seat for both sitting and sleeping
- Built-in storage if you're short on space to store your comforter and pillows
Discover the full range of Kipli PALM, FOLIA, and CLOUD convertible sofas, made entirely from natural latex, solid wood, and carefully sourced materials.
Kipli, of course.
Written by the Kipli team, specialists in natural bedding since 2018. Our advice is based on our product expertise and customer feedback to ensure you enjoy lasting comfort, day and night.