American folding sofa: transformation mechanism

Home is a place where you want to feel safe and comfortable. Everyone understands these conditions in their own way: some are closer to the classics, while others need an original, fashionable style of room decoration to feel comfortable. However, regardless of the interior design, it is impossible to feel comfortable in an apartment where the furniture is installed irrationally and there is a feeling of cramping. In a small city apartment, it is not easy to install the necessary furniture while maintaining a sense of space in the rooms. Folding furniture, such as an American folding sofa, can solve this problem.

Brief historical background on origin

This type of folding upholstered furniture is attributed to “American citizenship,” although these interior items are indirectly related to the United States of America. In fact, this transformer was developed by engineers from the furniture company Sedac from Belgium, which was later merged with a company of a similar profile from France - Meral. And this folding sofa became “American”, apparently, due to the fact that the model was initially developed exclusively for the US market.

After sales turned out to be very successful, the management of Sedac-Meral decided to expand the geography of supplies. As a result, this upholstered furniture has become popular all over the world. In the post-Soviet space, such a transformer is also known as a Sedaflex sofa, which is a distortion of the name of the developer company Sedac.

Sedaflex sofa design

This folding soft couch is a two-fold transformation mechanism, the purpose of which is to constantly use it for relaxation and sleep. The basis of the transformer is a metal frame to which bent-glued armor is attached. Fastening occurs using plastic brackets. In some models, the base for the bed is a metal mesh with cells of various sizes, which is attached around the perimeter to the frame with springs, plastic brackets or electric welding. There are also samples where the sleeping base is combined: it consists of bent-glued armor and elastic belts at the foot of the bed.

Sedaflex folding couches 100% replace stationary traditional beds, being at the same time a bed, a place to relax and spacious storage for things. The cost of this transformer is relatively low, which sets it apart from furniture of a similar class and attracts those who want to furnish their home.

Types and design of clamshell bases - which one is better to choose

Before you decide which cot is better, you need to look at how the base of the bed is designed. Let's look at the types of folding beds based on the type of base:

in the classic model, dense and fairly wear-resistant fabric is stretched around the entire perimeter with springs.

Pros: the lightest clamshell, lowest price, comfortable and reliable design.
Cons: with frequent use it can stretch out and sag, there is no mattress (if there is one, it cannot be removed), not very comfortable sleep for the back.
This base can withstand up to 100 kg.
There are folding beds of this type with a stretched canvas without springs.

armored mesh is a metal weave that is attached to the frame with galvanized springs around the perimeter.

Pros: light weight, average cost, comfortable, practical, durable, bends a little under a person’s weight, but does not stretch.
Withstands loads up to 150 kg.

Spring snake - bent metal rods that are attached by springs to the short side of the folding bed.

Pros: low price, reliable and high-quality base, light weight.
Cons: it flexes more than armored mesh, which can lead to rapid stretching.
Approximate load weight is about 100-120 kg.

A folding bed with slats has a metal frame and wooden (birch) plates that are attached to the structure. The thickness of the lamellas starts from 8 mm, but for strength it is better to take 12 mm.

Pros: can withstand a lot of weight, has an orthopedic base, does not harm the back, maintains the necessary heat and moisture.
Withstands weight up to 250 kg.

The size of a folding bed ranges from the very minimum dimensions to 2 m. You can choose the length individually to suit your height, but the most comfortable width for sleeping starts from 80 cm. If you want a really comfortable sleeping bed, then you can choose a double folding bed. It reaches a width of 100-120 cm. A good design should have a height of at least 40 cm. It should be comfortable for you to get up from such a bed and lie on it.

Advantages and types of folding beds

A folding bed in the interior of your house or apartment will be almost invisible. It is easy to fold and unfold and does not take up much space. That is why even in a small apartment it will be convenient to have such an additional sleeping bed. But before you choose a folding bed, you should pay attention to some nuances that play an important role.

Folding beds have a number of advantages:

compactness - they can be easily hidden or discreetly placed near a wall or cabinet;
lightness – the design is not heavy, so you can unfold it yourself;
economy - due to its low cost, a folding bed is the most budget option for a bed;
mobility - this type of furniture can easily be used both indoors and in the country, nature, or in a country house;
practicality is a convenient, comfortable sleeping bed that completely replaces a full-fledged bed;
strength - despite its size, it can withstand quite a large load;
durability – by choosing a high-quality folding bed, you can count on it for a long time.

Depending on where you intend to use this furniture, you can distinguish the following types according to their intended purpose, such as:

city and country - all budget folding beds, both tension and with springs and slats, are suitable for this type; they are convenient to hide under the bed, you can accommodate guests here, and such furniture is easy to transport in the car;
tourist or hiking - most popular among nature lovers, as they have a relatively small weight (about 5-6 kg); differ from country houses by being more compact; such a mobile clamshell fits into a miniature case that looks more like a weapons case; All you have to do is straighten the support legs and the bed is ready;
children's - differ from adults in size and height.

When choosing a folding bed, be sure to pay attention to its height. For an adult, it should be at least 45-50 cm from the floor, and for a child – 25 cm. Thanks to this, you can sit comfortably and easily rise from your sleeping place.

For your home, it is best to choose a comfortable, wide and durable folding bed, especially if you plan to sleep on it every day. It is best to choose a spring or wooden cot on which the mattress is placed. Such furniture will accurately replace a full-fledged sleeping place.

Folding bed frame

Before choosing a folding bed, you should pay attention to the frame. It consists of a small number of parts: legs, base, head parts and hinged connecting elements. The material from which the clamshell frame is made is steel or aircraft-grade aluminum. The second type is suitable for tourist and country cots. Thanks to him, they will be light, which will make it possible to take the sleeping place with you and transport it conveniently. Steel is used for a folding bed, which is intended for a house or apartment. The furniture frame is coated with a special polymer paint, which protects the parts from corrosion.

It will be quite easy to decompose such a structure. Almost all of them bend in half, so just one movement is enough for the sleeping place to unfold. The only thing is to count your strength. If it is an aluminum frame, then it can become deformed under strong pressure. Also look at how the legs of the folding bed are positioned to prevent them from folding under the load.

Modern designs have small metal backrests that prevent the mattress from falling off the folding bed. Also, some models are equipped with wheels, making it quick and easy to move the mini-bed around the room.

Since the designs of folding beds are completely different, the weight load on them will be different. From the chosen model, you can expect a weight of between 100 and 250 kg. It all depends on the thickness of the pipes themselves and the material from which the frame is made.

What mattresses come with folding beds?

When you go to a furniture store, you can see not only what kind of folding beds there are, but also what equipment they have. Most often, folding beds come with mattresses. Based on the type of filler, they are divided into two types:

Holcon is a modern synthetic filler made from spiral polyester fibers.

Advantages of the material: odorless, non-flammable, quickly returns to its original position, has hypoallergenic properties, does not absorb moisture, allows air to pass through well, retains heat, durable, resistant to dry and wet cleaning (up to 95°C).

regenerated fiber – recycled material from cotton, wool or clothing production. Such a filler can be half-wool, synthetic, cotton, or a combination.

Pros: inexpensive, high-quality, durable material.
Disadvantages: requires careful care, can absorb moisture and various odors.

Among the fillers, synthetic winterizer and foam rubber are often found. These are fairly light, but not durable materials that can leave imprints of mesh or lamellas. If you take a folding bed as a guest option, then such a mattress will be comfortable and economical. For daily sleep, it is better to choose a high-quality filler that will last for many years.

Advantages

The American folding sofa has many attractive qualities for the buyer, here are some of them:

A massive metal frame that prevents the bed from moving and gives a feeling of reliability and stability.
The couch has a simple, intuitive transformation device, and the folding arms are made of durable light metal alloy.
A large-sized sleeping bed that promotes comfortable sleep.
The possibility of using the couch for relaxation not only in disassembled form, but also in assembled form, which is ensured by wide comfortable seats.
The design of the transformer is durable and can withstand significant loads (200 – 250 kilograms). Does not lose its qualities over many years of use (if the operating rules are followed, the product can last ten years or more).
Most American folding sofa beds are sold with an orthopedic mattress, which allows you to rest comfortably even for those suffering from insomnia and musculoskeletal diseases.
The ability to lift the transformer up stairs or bring it into a room with a small doorway in parts with subsequent assembly.

To the numerous advantages of Sedaflex, we must also add the fact that the folding sofa does not damage the floor covering; after its use, there are no dents or scratches left on the floor. The universal design allows you to look stylish in the overall furniture ensemble of the apartment.

USEFUL INFORMATION: Sofa bed with orthopedic mattress: types, transformation mechanisms

And lastly: in the store you can choose a sofa of your favorite color, since the range of these products is large.

What it is

A folding sofa is a type of upholstered furniture with a double-folding mechanism. If you unfold the structure, you get an impressive-sized sleeping place, which is located perpendicular to the backrest. A pair of sections are connected using hinges.

Two types of American folding beds

The described transformers can have two folding options.

First: you need to remove the seat cushions, then take the lifting handle and, using an up-and-forward movement, bring the device to the top position. Next, you need to fold back two intermediate supports one by one and expand the first and second segments of the structure. That's it - the bed is ready for use. This type of folding couch is considered obsolete; furniture manufacturers have almost abandoned its mass production.
The second option is more convenient; almost all new transformers of this type have this type of folding. Only the soft armrests can be removed, the seat cushions themselves are non-removable, they are attached to the base of the bed. You need to lift the frame, move the mechanism up and forward to the top position, and install the supports. Since the seat cushions when using an American folding bed are located under the frame and are not used during rest. This allows them to maintain their attractive appearance for a long time.

According to the shape of the sleeping bed, sofas can be straight or angular. Direct ones, as a rule, are installed in bedrooms and children's rooms. Corner ones are more appropriate in living rooms.

Shapes and sizes

Depending on the shape, you can choose a straight or corner sofa.

The direct modification is compact, ideal for small spaces: bedrooms, children's rooms.
The corner design has an original look, is equipped with a linen box, and will provide seating for a large company. The location of the additional module can be chosen at your discretion (left- or right-hand). Such products look good in the living room or studio apartment. The model can be habitually installed in a corner or used to zone a space.

The dimensions of the sofas are presented in the following figures:

length 190-230 cm;
depth 93-115 cm;
height 75—

Bed parameters:

length 188-196 cm;
width 75-140 cm;
height above floor level 45-50 cm.

What are the transformation mechanisms?

Most samples of American folding sofas have three main types of transformation mechanisms that provide easy and silent folding or unfolding of the bed. These devices are:

A structure with its own skeleton (frame). The couch components are attached to a frame, which is made of metal pipes with a diameter of 25 millimeters and a wall thickness of 1.5 millimeters. The frame has a frame to which seat cushions are attached. Models: “Tornado”, “MT 2C”.

Design with reinforced frame. The frame is made of metal pipes with a diameter of 30 millimeters, a wall thickness of 2 millimeters, the mesh is made of a metal rod with a diameter of 4 millimeters. When the bed is unfolded, the seat cushions and backrest move under the base. Models: “Millenium”, “Otello”, “MT 2C 710”.

USEFUL INFORMATION: Holofiber mattresses: pros and cons, real reviews, comparison

A structure that is attached to the side planes of the sofa. The frame is also made of reinforced metal pipe. Models: "Luka H10", "MT 2CN201".

Secrets of choice

Choosing a mattress will be easier if you stick to a specific plan.

First of all, you should clarify what type your folding sofa is, so as not to confuse the French variety with the American one.
It is better to choose mattresses in departments that specialize specifically in folding beds, so as not to be mistaken with the size and content. It would be great if the mattress comes with a cover for it - this will increase its service life.
Also, if possible, you should select models with additional fasteners, for example, Velcro, so that the mattress does not slip, or elastic bands that will securely press the mattress to the frame.

Important nuances of choosing a mattress

There are several important points to consider when choosing a mattress for a French folding bed.

Determine exactly the type of folding mechanism (not to be confused with an American folding bed).
Take accurate measurements of the sleeping area.
Make sure the manufacturer is reliable and study the composition of the filler. Most consumers aged from 3 to 60 years old are recommended to have a medium level of sleeping place hardness.
Look for a model specifically in the section of products for a French folding bed with a height of 5-7 cm.
It’s good if, for a more reliable fixation of the mattress on the base, there are tapes around the perimeter - knotted or Velcro (Velcro).

Sources

https://nashmatras.ru/assortiment/kak-vybrat-matras-dlya-raskladushki-luchshie-varianty
https://manrule.ru/krovati/matrasy/dlya-francuzskoj-raskladushki/
https://RemDivana.ru/osobennosti-vyibora-matrasov/
https://surgical-tools.ru/prihozhaya/kakaya-tkan-ispolzuetsya-dlya-raskladushek-vidy-razmery-i-ves/
https://links-stroy.ru/raskladushka/
https://WellSleep.ru/blog/obzory-tovarov/top-10-luchshikh-raskladushek-obzor-kharakteristiki-rekomendatsii-po-vyboru/

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What types of mattresses are there?

The mattress of a folding couch is a component no less important than a reliable transformation mechanism. The convenience of rest and sleep comfort depend on its quality. Typically, American folding beds are equipped with orthopedic mattresses with or without springs.

The first option is based on spring segments called “bonnel”. The height of the segments can be 8 or 10 centimeters. A layer of thermal felt is laid between the filler and the springs, which ensures the strength of the mattress and contributes to its long service life. A layer of latex, batting or foam rubber is used as a filler, and the cover is made of jacquard fabric. The total thickness of the mattress is from 10 to 14 centimeters.

Bonnell - dependent weave spring block

Mattress Bonnell

The samples of the second option (without springs) are based on latex or foam rubber; the total thickness of the mattress can be from 9 to 13 centimeters.

What types of folding beds are there: size and permissible load

The dimensions of folding beds can vary widely. The length is usually 1.6 - 2 m, depending on the design and purpose for whom the model is purchased: an adult or a child. The width also differs and is usually more than 80 cm. For double beds, the width reaches 1.2 m. The optimal height is 0.4 - 0.5 m.

The permissible load of a particular model directly depends on the strength characteristics of the frame and base. In adults, it ranges from 80 to 250 kg. The minimum value corresponds to folding beds with stretched fabric. Orthopedic structures with lamellas can withstand the maximum load.

Attention! Some models with additional stiffening ribs can withstand 400 kg.

Children's cots have a 60kg limit.

Classification by size

Standard folding models are designed for one person of average height and weight. The length is selected individually, and the most convenient width is 80 cm.

Modern beds come in different sizes: one-and-a-half, double, children's. The maximum dimensions reach 2 meters. Double products are convenient for young families who do not have permanent housing or live in small apartments. The frame of such a bed consists of two frames connected by sidewalls. Due to their large size, such models are made with wheels to avoid difficulty moving. Different manufacturers have their own size standards for the width of products:

domestic single bed – 60-70 cm;
European – 90-100 cm;
domestic one-and-a-half - 120-160 cm;
European – from 140 cm.

Furniture for larger people is made to order. Sliding models for children, designed for growth, are very convenient. Such designs can be adjusted depending on the growth of the child. And the frames are reinforced with additional fasteners so that children can actively play without the risk of damaging the product. The weight of children's cots does not exceed 6 kg. They are indispensable in nurseries, summer camps and other institutions for children.

The standard length of children's products is 170 cm, width - 60 cm. Models of such folding beds are distinguished by bright colors. A folding crib for a baby is often equipped with special pockets for favorite toys and books, so that the child has them at hand.

An orthopedic mattress must be included with children's cots, which is necessary for the development of correct posture.

Domestic single

European single

Double European

Manufacturing materials

Materials for folding furniture mechanisms are durable alloys with anti-corrosion coating. The frames of folding beds are made of steel or aircraft-grade aluminum. Less durable materials will deform with frequent use. Light duralumin is used to make camping cots. When producing children's products, we use environmentally friendly and safe materials. For a stylish appearance, metal frames are painted or trimmed with wood. The elite folding bed is especially rich in various decor.

High-quality wood is considered the best material for making folding beds. For example, a folding bed for a high-end hotel is made from precious wood and high-quality upholstery materials. The hotel's reputation demands this. For cheaper rooms, beds made of chipboard and MDF are used. Tapestry and jacquard are considered the best upholstery fabrics. They are durable and easy to clean.

The appearance of folding models, their weight, reliability and price depend on the materials of manufacture. For example, a modern ultra-light travel bed weighs up to 1 kg.

Criterias of choice

The variety of models makes it difficult to choose a product. Therefore, you need to choose a folding bed very carefully. When purchasing such furniture, you need to consider the following factors:

Purpose. Light, cheap beds without slats are easy to store and transport, but they do not provide the most comfortable rest. They should be chosen for outdoor recreation. For a good night's sleep, beds with wooden slats are more suitable.
Permissible load. Manufacturers usually indicate this information on the label. You need to choose a bed for an adult or a child taking this criterion into account. To increase the service life of the product, the permissible loads specified in the recommendations must not be exceeded. Otherwise, the bed frame may become deformed, and the sleeping place will no longer be so comfortable. Durable structures can support a person weighing more than 100 kg. The frame with galvanized mesh can withstand loads of up to 150 kg. The permissible load of a folding bed with a “spring snake” fastening is from 100 to 120 kg.
Size of living area. The best option in cramped apartment conditions would be a transformable bed, which can be removed after sleep. Such a sleeping place should organically complement the interior of the room.
Bed height. An important criterion is the height of the folding bed. For a child, the sleeping place should be located at a distance of 25 cm from the floor, for an adult - at least 40 cm.
Convenient high-quality assembly mechanisms. It is better to check the reliability and technical serviceability of the design in action, that is, try folding and unfolding.
Beautiful design. An exclusive folding bed can become an original element of the interior. The frames of such products are trimmed with natural wood; the cover for the folding bed is made of bright, high-quality upholstery fabrics.
If an orthopedic folding bed is sold together with a mattress, then you should check the quality of the seams, upholstery material and filling.
You need to inquire about the warranty. It is better to buy folding beds from reputable manufacturers. High-quality certified products will last for many years and will not cause harm to health.

Recommendations for selection

In a sense, the world in which we live can be called the world of things. Scientific and technological progress does not stop for a minute, constantly offering us technologies that change life, sometimes radically. The industry uses developments, putting into practice the theoretical calculations of scientific laboratories. If you compare furniture from a hundred years ago and samples that you can now buy in a store, the difference between them will be noticeable. Furniture has become much more comfortable, more rational, every detail is thought out thoroughly, and innovative materials are used in production. The buyer can only choose the necessary sofa, bed or chair, which is not so easy in conditions of product abundance, competition and aggressive advertising.

When buying an American folding sofa, you need to decide which design is suitable. You can choose Sedaflex with a sleeping surface made of wear-resistant stretched fabric, metal mesh or arched armor.
Next, you need to decide which mattress is suitable for the couch, what color and design to choose so that the folding bed looks organically in the room.
The upholstery of the transformer also plays an important role, this is especially true if there are small children and pets in the apartment. The upholstery material should be durable and easy to clean. It must be remembered that such a product is bought for ten or more years of use, so saving on its quality is not profitable.
Before making your final choice, it would be rational to find reviews on the Internet from those who have already purchased such a product. You can ask your friends and acquaintances - probably some of them already use American folding phones.
The place of purchase is of great importance; you need to contact a specialized retail chain, ignoring little-known random stores. There is no need to be shy about asking questions to the manager, who should show all the capabilities of the transformer so that you can make sure that there are no defects. The result of a balanced choice will be a sofa that will create all the conditions for relaxation and sleep.

First in orthopedics

A sofa is a piece of furniture that has a place in every home. The sofa is an invariable part of the interior of the living room of a city apartment, a private mansion and a country cottage. Very often it performs another important function, providing additional sleeping space in the house. Modern manufacturers offer this type of furniture such as an American folding sofa, which can replace a full-fledged bed. This is a very comfortable sleeping place, often equipped with an orthopedic mattress, reliable and durable.

The design of such a sofa includes a mattress, which is located directly under the seat, not being part of it. To remove and unfold such a mattress, you need to first pull it up, then towards you. When folded, the American folding bed looks like an ordinary sofa. However, its main feature is the ability to turn into a wide and comfortable sleeping place in a matter of minutes.

To make unfolding the mechanism convenient, it was equipped with a metal handle. As soon as the mattress is pulled out, it is immediately automatically fixed with a reliable support. The entire structure is highly durable and reliable, so during sleep there is no fear that the mechanism will fold and the sleeping person will end up on the floor.

An American folding sofa is made in the form of a traditional or corner sofa. Thanks to this design, you can place a sleeping place in any part of the room. Such sofas come with or without armrests.

According to the type of design, American folding sofas are:

Straight - these are most often used in bedrooms and children's rooms;
Corner - as a rule, such models are installed in living rooms; they have substantial dimensions and are not suitable for small rooms.

As for the orthopedic mattress, it is installed on the following types of surfaces:

on the grill;
on the grid;
on armor;
on the awning.

The most durable are sofas equipped with bars or armor. In addition, such designs provide the mattress with increased rigidity. It is recommended for people with a lot of weight to choose a sofa of this design.

Before laying out a sofa with an American folding bed mechanism, you should remove pillows and other objects from its surface. After this, you need to take the metal handle located under the seat and pull it towards you. At this point, you need to support the retractable system with your free hand, making sure that it rises smoothly.

After the mechanism is completely outside, it must be fixed by extending the support leg. This sofa is highly reliable; the leg provides good stability and fixation of the structure. The entire process of unfolding the sofa takes no more than a minute, and even a child can cope with such a task.

It is recommended to choose a folding sofa if there is a need to equip additional sleeping places in the house. It can also easily replace a regular children's bed. However, you should not constantly use a sofa instead of a bed in the bedroom of two adults - under such weight, the mechanism will eventually begin to sag, creak and become deformed. Still, the American folding sofa is intended for periodic use as an additional, and not the main, sleeping place.

The enormous popularity of the American folding sofa is due to a number of factors. Its advantages are as follows:

Thanks to the massive base, the design is reliable; when unfolded, it is stable and does not move to the side.
The sofa transformation mechanism is made of lightweight, yet durable material.
This sofa is a multifunctional item that can last for a long time.
Thanks to the wide sleeping area, the model provides maximum comfort while sleeping.
When not disassembled, such a model is a comfortable and stylish sofa that can fit perfectly into any interior.
Thanks to the orthopedic mattress, even people with spinal diseases can sleep on such a sofa.
A sofa with an “American folding bed” mechanism can withstand a weight of up to 200 kg; if necessary, the structure can be reinforced with armor.
A model of any size can be brought into the apartment disassembled and assembled on site without much effort.
Thanks to the huge range of models, it will not be difficult to choose a folding sofa that will match the overall style of the room.
The cost of such a sofa cannot be called high; it is quite affordable for the average family.

Despite a number of advantages, the American folding sofa also has some disadvantages:

This sofa has quite massive dimensions, so it is not suitable for installation in small rooms.
After prolonged use, the structure, equipped with springs, begins to creak, causing discomfort to the owners.
The folding sofa is not equipped with linen drawers, since all its “insides” are occupied by a folding mechanism with a mattress.

Read other articles on the topics:
Features of purchasing an orthopedic sofa with a metal frame
Features of an orthopedic sofa with independent spring blocks
How to clean an orthopedic mattress at home

When choosing an American folding sofa, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

Dimensions of the model - if the room is small, you should choose a compact sofa.
Availability of space in the room sufficient to transform the sofa - in cramped rooms filled with furniture, it will not be possible to expand such a model.
The purpose of the room itself is that for the living room you should choose corner or straight models with a large number of seats. A modular design is more suitable for installation in a children's room or bedroom.
Interior style of the room - the sofa should be harmoniously combined with all the interior details.
The purpose of the sofa is that if it is installed in a children's room, then preference should be given to a springless model, which is more suitable for the child's spine.
Characteristics of the upholstery - it must be sufficiently strong and wear-resistant.

If you choose the right American sofa, it will serve its owners for many years without losing either its external characteristics or functionality.

Professional furniture makers advise cleaning the surface of the sofa from dust, pet hair, crumbs, and other small debris approximately once every three days - this can be done with a vacuum cleaner or a regular brush. Thus, the upholstery will remain clean, maintaining wear resistance and strength for a long time.

If complex stains appear on the surface of the folding sofa, they must be removed using products designed specifically for this type of fabric. General recommendations for caring for your sofa:

Cleaning movements should be carried out in the direction of the pile of the upholstery fabric.
If liquid is spilled on the surface of the folding sofa, it should be blotted rather than wiped off.
It is not recommended to use aggressive cleaners containing acids when caring for your sofa.
If the sofa has been wet cleaned, it can only be used after it has completely dried.
If the mechanical parts of the structure break down, they can be replaced with new ones and the operation of the American folding sofa can continue.