A useful test includes more than one quick sit.
Rehearse the routine
Sit upright, lean into the back, place your feet on the floor, curl up if you normally do, and stand again. Stay long enough to notice where pressure builds. Test the center and edge; use the arm as you would at home. If two people use the sofa, both should try it.
Translate for online shopping
When a test is impossible, measure a familiar seat and compare height, depth, and width. Read construction details and return costs, then look for photos showing real scale. Reviews can flag recurring complaints but cannot replace your body. Avoid buying a nonreturnable sofa on a comfort claim alone.
A sofa should pass the positions you use most, not just the first thirty seconds.
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