We have had a futon for about 8 years now-have alternately used it as a bed and a couch-and have found it quite comfortable for both purposes (though now we have a house and a queen-sized bed, but my fiance was just out of school in a one room apt. when we needed it for a bed!). We got the thickest mattress available (there are different sizes and thicknesses) and it's worked great. It's been a couch for us for years. Good luck! -april and her boys [Posted in FML issue 3537]