Lifting mechanism for a bed: types, selection, operation

Beds with a lifting mechanism are purchased by consumers not only to improve the convenience and comfort of sleep, but also to minimize the negative consequences of living in small apartments. Residents of Khrushchev-era apartments understand what we are talking about; you can rarely find a bedroom in them that allows you to install a good modern double bed.

If you squeeze it into the room, there will be no room left for a closet for bedding. And having a bed with a lifting mechanism allows you to solve this problem without much effort.

Do-it-yourself bed with a lifting mechanism

Purpose

Using a lifting mechanism for a bed allows you to free up part of the room area. This is achieved in several ways:

the bed itself is moved to a vertical position and retracted into a niche in the wall;
Only the sleeping place rises to form a useful volume with quick access to storage for a wide variety of things.

As for the first option, it is the optimal solution for one-room apartments and studio apartments. One of its varieties is the transformation of a bed into another piece of furniture. As a rule, this is a sofa. This transformation is very useful from an ergonomic point of view. By purchasing one piece of furniture, you get two at once, performing different functions. However, as practice shows, in terms of comfort, a sofa bed is much inferior to full-fledged mattresses that are used in classic beds.

By opening the orthopedic base at a large angle, you can get free access to the farthest corners of the box

The second option is advisable to use in two-room apartments. In this case, a smaller room is allocated for the bedroom, even if there is no space for installing a wardrobe and other furniture. A useful area for storing various things and bed linen will be provided by a box under a rising mattress.

It is advisable to divide the useful space inside the bed into several compartments. If this was not done during production, it is recommended to use special boxes

Using a bed with a lifting device provides additional benefits:

reliable and careful storage of things. Since the box lid is under significant pressure from the weight of the mattress, it fits tightly and does not let dust inside;
easier cleaning. The bed is adjacent to the floor with its entire base area, dirt does not penetrate under it;
ease of use. Modern lifting mechanisms are equipped with various devices that make it easy to lift the top cover, despite the significant weight of the structure and mattress.

Side lifting mechanism for children's wardrobe-bed

Related article:

Transformable bed for a small apartment : advantages and disadvantages, types of transformation mechanisms, review of models, average cost, criteria for the right choice - in our publication.

What is

Beds equipped with a lifting mechanism are often supplemented with a compartment for storing large items. The linen box is located under the mattress and has partitions that divide it into 2-3 sections. If necessary, the sleeping place is raised and fixed in a certain position. The device is attached to the sides of the case and the base.

The lifting mechanism is used in the production of children's and adult beds. The models have a number of advantages compared to other sleep structures:

combining two pieces of furniture;
saving free space;
the presence of compartments for storing things;
wide range of colors and textures;
ease of use;
easy care.

Lift beds also have some disadvantages. The products are expensive, characterized by rather large sizes, so they are difficult to move and transport. Dust accumulates in storage drawers, mattress lifters break down quickly, and beds sag over time. There is no free space under the furniture, which makes cleaning difficult.

Beds with a lifting mechanism are installed not only at home, but also in hospitals and nursing homes. Modern models are regulated using a remote control.

Types of lifting mechanisms for beds

In the modern furniture market, three main types of lifts are most widely represented, which are used by almost all companies in beds of various designs in a wide range of standard sizes. These devices have significant differences in operational characteristics: the complexity of the design, its maintainability, the durability of the product, the effort required for lifting, and so on. Of course, the price of different types of lifts also differs significantly.

Manual

The simplest and most affordable. It became most widespread in the early nineties. Since then, his popularity has been steadily declining. At the moment it is used only in budget bed models. Considering that chipboard is used as a material for furniture of this class, frequent use can cause the hinges to become deformed and fail. It should be noted that the lift itself is durable and quite reliable, and breaks quite rarely.

The operating principle of a manual lift is to use physical force, since its design does not contain compensating components and mechanisms. This device is not recommended for installation on children's beds due to the high risk of injury.

Modern manual lifts are designed in such a way that they can later be equipped with a compensating spring or a gas lift

Spring

Twisted springs are used as a load compensator in such mechanisms. Their use significantly reduces physical effort, but does not compensate for it completely. The device is affordable and very effective, so it is often used both on budget beds and on more expensive furniture models. With frequent use, over time, the springs stretch and need to be replaced. The average service life, depending on the intensity of use, is 3-5 years.

The number of springs used in the mechanism depends on the weight of the moving part of the bed

On gas shock absorbers

The lifting mechanism on gas shock absorbers (gas elevators) is the most expensive. However, the high cost is fully compensated by the convenience and safety of operation. A properly selected gas lift completely compensates for the load from the moving part of the bed. This allows even children and people with disabilities to use the lifting mechanism without any strain. If you choose the right shock absorbers and do not overload them during operation, then the duration of its operation can be 10 years or more.

Lifting mechanism on gas shock absorbers

Important! The gas shock absorber uses nitrogen as a working substance, pumped into a sealed cylinder under high pressure. There is also an oil damper, piston and gaskets. Self-repair of a gas lift without special equipment is impossible. Moreover, failure of the cylinder can result in sudden release of oil and gasket parts, which can result in personal injury.

The structure of the gas cylinder of lifting mechanisms

Installation Tips

In most cases, the installation of a gas lift on a bed is carried out at the production stage, at the enterprise itself. But if you wish, you can do the installation yourself. To carry out the work you will need a basic set of tools: a hammer, a saw, a drill with different drills, metal corners, several self-tapping screws. And, of course, you need to purchase a suitable gas lift in advance. For everything to work properly, it is recommended to install the product according to the following algorithm:

The first step is to assemble the bed frame. In this case, metal corners are used, which will securely fix all the elements and make the structure strong.
Next, you need to install the gas lift using special screws and bolts.
Afterwards, the folding frame is assembled and the gas lift is fixed to it. The product must be previously installed in the open position.
Finally, it remains to check how well the installed lifting mechanism works. To do this, you need to squeeze and unclench it several times. The design should operate smoothly and silently.

Advantages of slatted bed bottom, main types and dimensions

Self-installation of a gas lift will not cause difficulties and will not take much time. However, if there is uncertainty that everything will be done correctly, it is better not to take risks and seek help from a professional who will do the work. As an alternative, you can immediately choose a bed that already has a powerful gas lift installed. In this case, preference should be given to well-known and trusted companies.

Main performance characteristics

When choosing a lifting mechanism, you should take into account the dimensions, weight and design of the berth. As a rule, the length of a bed for adults is 2-2.2 m, for children and teenagers 1.2-1.9 m. The width is determined by the number of beds:

double - 1.2-1.8 m;
single - 0.9-1 m;
children's - 0.6-0.8 m.

The height of the bed depends on the thickness of the mattress and individual preferences. For many models, it can be adjusted by the height of the lamellas.

The weight of the moving part of the bed is determined primarily by the type of mattress. Depending on its filling (independent spring blocks, coconut coir, sisal, foam rubber, silicone, padding polyurethane, polyurethane foam, etc.), the weight may differ several times.

All of the above parameters affect the selection of lifting mechanisms and the power of their power elements: springs and gas lifts.

Lifting mechanisms are classified according to the method of movement.

If the entire bed is raised vertically, then it is a wardrobe bed. It has two design solutions that differ in the requirements for the power drive:

When lifting by the foot, much more effort is required, so only mechanisms with powerful gas shock absorbers are used.
When lifting from the side, it is permissible to use a spring block.

As an alternative, there are beds in which only the berth can be raised. The mechanism can also be made in two versions:

According to the principle of a book, at an angle to one of the sides.
The sleeping place is understood horizontally and moves slightly to the side, stopping at a certain height parallel to the box.

Moving the entire bed into a wall niche at the foot

The bed is part of the furniture set and is stored in a technological niche on the side

Moving the bed at an angle is the most common type of lifting mechanism

Moving the bed parallel to the base

Construction type

The reliability and cost of beds are determined by their dimensions and structural features. Depending on the type of design, the following types of products are distinguished:

With vertical lift. The furniture consists of wardrobes and beds. The berth rises completely, then retracts against the wall.
With horizontal lift. In this case, the entire surface of the bed can move parallel to the floor. As a rule, this is typical for double options. Single and one-and-a-half beds - rise from the side or to the headboard.

Transformation of structures can be carried out in two ways: the bed is raised from the side or from the foot. In the first and second cases, the process does not occur without minor efforts if a gas lift is used as a lifting mechanism. The power of the device varies depending on the design features of the piece of furniture.

Side lift models are usually equipped with a spring mechanism. The manual option is not used in such cases.

Vertical lift

Horizontal

Lifting from the side

Criterias of choice

In order for the bed lifting mechanism to last a long time, the following factors must be taken into account when choosing it.

Power . When calculating the power of springs or gas lift of a lifting mechanism, you must adhere to the rule: for 1 kg of weight of the structure being moved, you need to spend 10 N. It is not advisable to use more powerful springs or gas shock absorbers, since their operation will be quite difficult.
Safety . It is desirable that the device be equipped with additional locks that prevent the structure from spontaneously folding. This is especially important if the mechanism will be used by a child.
Durability . The most durable are manual mechanisms. This is due to their simplicity. In fact, there is nothing to break there; rather, the furniture itself will fail. Products made from quality materials can last for decades.
Springs are subject to wear . During operation, they can jump out of the fasteners, and over time they stretch and cannot create the force for which they are designed. The average service life does not exceed 5 years.
Gas lifts are more reliable . As a rule, manufacturers provide a guarantee for 20,000 lifts and lowerings, which is about 10 years of operation.
Price . Products from well-known brands can cost an order of magnitude more than conventional lifting mechanisms with the same functionality. Undoubtedly, with intensive use, the quality of the work performed and the materials used will make itself felt. But many domestic products are in no way inferior to European ones and, of course, are much stronger than Chinese ones.

You should also take into account:

bed and room sizes;
who will use the sleeping area;
the position of the bed relative to other furniture located in the room. The method of lifting depends on this - at an angle or horizontal;
in which direction the sleeping place or the bed as a whole will rise (move).

The elaborate design of branded products often hides the same design solutions as in ordinary furniture in the mid-price category.

Reliability

All bed lifting mechanisms have a fairly high level of reliability. But here we need to make a reservation - this applies to products from manufacturers who occupy leading positions in the market for these devices and have earned the trust of customers. For example, the best gas elevators are considered to be German, and spring devices are Italian.

In spring lifting mechanisms, the main load falls on the spring itself, which leads to its wear. In addition, devices of this type do not withstand increased loads on the sleeping area. During use, the springs sometimes pop out and gradually stretch. For these reasons, their warranty does not exceed 5 years.

Gas elevators have a 10-year guarantee and are designed for 20 thousand raising and lowering of the bed, which indicates the high reliability of the gas lifting device. The most reliable and durable mechanism is recognized as a manual device on hinges. The reason is simple - there is nothing to break there.

Finally, advice on how to choose the right bed lift mechanism. Spring devices are perfect for light single beds. But, if your budget allows, it is better to choose gas. Its high price will justify itself - the device will last for many years without repair or replacement. Well, the manual version is suitable for small beds that do not have to be opened often.

Rules for safe operation

Devices that lift only the bed are less powerful than mechanisms designed to move the entire bed. It is the latter that are associated with the largest number of injuries. When using such devices, you should adhere to the following rules:

when lowering the bed, it is recommended to be on the side of it;
in the raised position, the wardrobe-bed must additionally be attached to the wall. This is especially true when using spring lifts;
gas shock absorbers are more reliable. By holding the wardrobe bed in the raised position, their piston is extended as much as possible. Spontaneous compression is completely excluded. Even if one gas lift fails, the bed will slowly lower, held by the second. Some manufacturers additionally equip gas shock absorbers with a rod clamp.

Principle of operation

Gas lifts come in several types, but often those used in beds allow the structure to be opened upward.

There are only 2 main types:

Automatic. When the bed is raised, the gas expands, which puts pressure on the piston. The last element, in turn, pushes the bed up, minimizing human effort. For braking, a kind of oil gasket is used inside. This allows you to make the move at the very end of the trajectory much smoother.
Frictional. This design differs from the previous model in the absence of a damper. The gas pressure here is also slightly lower. This allows you to stop the structure in any convenient position. Beds are rarely equipped with such elements, since there is practically no need for this.

How to install the lifting mechanism yourself

When purchasing new furniture, it is usually delivered disassembled. Assembly often costs extra. However, despite its bulkiness, the bed is one of the simplest pieces of furniture. It is quite possible to assemble it yourself with the simplest tools: a Phillips screwdriver and several open-end wrenches. To protect yourself from injury and complete assembly as quickly and efficiently as possible, it is recommended to adhere to the following sequence:

Assemble the base - the lower body and the bed frame.
If necessary, assemble an orthopedic base (as a rule, a structure with lamellas is sold ready-made).
The lift is fixed to the side panel of the base. It must be positioned strictly horizontally in relation to the box.
The lift is unfolded into an open working state, after which an orthopedic base is placed on it and positioned until the technological holes coincide.
An assistant is essential here. One person holds the orthopedic base, and the second attaches it to the lift.

The bolts adjusting the gas lifts should be level on both sides of the bed

Manufacturing materials

The warranty period for such beds varies from 3 to 10 years. This directly depends on the material of manufacture, the reliability of the mechanism and the overall quality of the product. Most often, models are sold without a mattress, so they are purchased separately. The following factors influence the choice:

Owner's age. Ideal support and comfort are personalized for each age category.
Weight. If the owner weighs more than 90 kg, then he needs to choose an option with greater rigidity.
Lifestyle. Professional athletes need a firm mattress. For sedentary people, this factor is not so important.
Health. Often a physical condition requires a specific orthotic design that minimizes discomfort.

Mattresses differ not only in the degree of hardness, but also in the type of filler. The option that retracts into the wall most often consists of the following material:

Foam rubber. Used as an additional layer - as a base. It is impossible to provide perfect back support.
Coconut fiber. Natural filler, optimal for orthopedic mattresses. One of the most expensive goods.
Latex. Stretchy and elastic option. Suitable for products with increased rigidity and load capacity.
Olofiber. Artificial raw materials with good consumer qualities. Breathable material that remains functional for many years.

Foam rubber

Coconut fiber

Latex

Olofiber

The basis of the furniture is chipboard, natural wood. The frame of transforming beds is also equipped with metal elements. Laminated chipboard or MDF are inferior in quality to natural wood. Plastic facades are becoming increasingly popular due to their appearance and budget cost. For the inside of the product, it is better to choose a functional solution. After harvesting the bed, there should be no empty walls.

An original solution is a seamless mirror or a full-size cabinet with shelves. When choosing, pay attention to the following criteria:

frame strength;
warranty period of the mechanism;
sphere;
quality of the mattress, if any;
functionality;
type of mechanism;
style of room decoration.

The last factor plays an important role. In an expensive interior, a plastic bed will look out of place. The chromatic range, texture, and quality of the material are reflected in the aesthetic aspect.

Wood

MDF

Chipboard

Is it possible to disassemble the lift and when should it be done?

During long-term operation, situations may arise that require repair of the lift, its dismantling to replace worn parts or the device as a whole. The following factors indicate a malfunction of the lifting mechanism:

spontaneous lowering of the moving part of the bed;
the mechanism jams and the orthopedic base cannot be raised or lowered;
During operation, extraneous sounds arise: grinding, creaking, metallic clanging.

Spontaneous lowering is typical for both gas lifts and spring devices. The main method of repair is to replace power elements. Manual mechanisms, as a rule, fail and require complete replacement. At the same time, it is recommended to change both elements, since uneven wear can lead to damage to the furniture.

Replacing a worn-out lift on gas shock absorbers

Lifts with gas shock absorbers:

Spring lifts:

Vertical and horizontal wardrobe beds:

Why use it?

Modern designers and owners of apartments with smart layouts recommend using folding furniture, which with one movement turns into a full-fledged sleeping place and saves free space. Vertical and horizontal folding sofas are successfully camouflaged due to a reliable element. The mechanism for an orthopedic-type folding bed should be selected with the following factors taken into account:

Convenient operating principle without additional effort or stress;
The presence of a shock absorber function, due to which the furniture remains comfortable and anatomically correct;
Suitable device dimensions;
A special type of fastener that allows you to install parts without unnecessary holes and cracks on furniture.

A universal option for bed frames of any type is gas lifts, which operate using gas springs. Two parts are mounted to different parts of the furniture, as a result of which part of the model is allowed to rise or rotate at a certain angle. High-quality sofa mechanisms can work for several years in a row without additional repairs and maintenance. Modern manufacturers offer a variety of high-power options that allow you to smoothly and easily transform the case to the desired limit.