Family visiting for the holidays or vacation? Friends spending the weekend with you? Your seven year old has a friend spending the night? These are all occasions when you might need a spare bed. A spare bed is often useful, so one should take a little care when choosing one and its associated bedding.
The Classics
If your place does not have any spare bedroom or space a sofa bed is ideal. Used as a sofa most of the time, the bed comes out once in a while when needed. Whether you use a model that looks like a big sofa or a futon bed both function essentially the same way. One thing to watch out for, if you are really short on space is to measure the space the bed will occupy when fully open. The most functional would probably be the futon bed as it will give a better back support for sleeping than the thin mattress that often is part of folding sofas.
If you plan on using your futon as seating furniture besides the occasional bed, you should select one that is firm to prevent it from becoming concave in places as it wears.
For Smaller Budgets
For a really small budget the least expensive solution for an occasional bed is an inflatable bed. These come in either single, double or even queen size. They inflate in minutes with the electric pump provide. It can also serve as a camping bed if that is one of your activities. However you have to realize that this type of sleeping is okay for a very short term, while you can sleep on a futon for longer period of time.
You always wanted a hammock? That could also make a temporary bed, but you should not expect too much comfort from it. A choice that I do not recommend and that can be a little expensive.
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