a sleeping berth movable between stored and use positions includes an elongated pan having a central substantially deep portion and at opposite ends substantially narrower portions which contain a suitably shaped mattress . the shallow portions in the use position of the bed increase the head room for passengers seated on the compartment seats . the pan or shell of the berth also includes at one side thereof a tubular beam construction which houses a linkage mechanism for releasably locking the berth in use and non - use positions .