We have a futon we bought almost 2 years ago and we have been using that as a couch. It has a solid wooden frame with magazine holders on the ends. Looks nice, but after sitting on it every day for the last 2 years, it is uncomfortable sometimes.
I think the comfort level also has to do with how thick the mattress is. We have an 8 inch mattress which is a step up from the cheaper ones that only have 6 inch mattresses. My husband is talking about getting a THICK 12 inch mattress and thought that would help.
We are hoping to get another actual couch in the next few months if we can get the money together for one. (That way we are not sitting on the futon every day.)
Sharon