Orthopedic bed frame: types of base, lifting mechanism

Everyone knows the role an orthopedic mattress plays in arranging a sleeping place for healthy rest. But the importance of purchasing a suitable support is often questioned. In fact, a mattress with atomic properties, laid on a regular flat bottom, will not fully demonstrate its qualities. The desired effect can only be achieved with an orthopedic bed base.

Design of an orthopedic bed base

A standard mattress base may consist of solid or prefabricated sheets of plywood or wooden slats secured with metal or other fasteners. The orthopedic base consists of a frame, holders and lamellas.

• The basis of the design is the frame. It is made of metal or wood. It is placed inside the outer decorative frame of the bed. Models with legs are placed directly on the floor, bars without legs are placed on the sides of the bed frame.
• The slats serve as shock absorbers. The quality of anatomical support for the body depends on their quantity. The optimal number is 26–30 pcs. in a row. The distance between the slats does not exceed their width. The width ranges from 30–40 mm to 50–70 mm. The thickness of the standard lamella is 0.8 cm.
• Lat holders hold the lamellas, ensuring their independent deflection. They can be rubber, polypropylene and plastic. The first two types are preferable: they do not creak.

The stronger the bend of the lamella, the higher the springy and anatomical effect obtained from it.

Beneficial features

If you have already been interested in bedroom furniture, you have probably noticed that all serious manufacturers for the most part refuse smooth and rigid bases, and such a rarity as metal mesh can only be found on the secondary market. Now at least 2 out of 3 beds sold have an orthopedic base.

So what is an orthopedic base and why is it so useful? Such structures consist of a rigid frame on which a series of slightly curved, elastic slats are installed. These lamellas are designed to enhance support for the resting person’s body at the most loaded, problem points.

A structure consisting of a rigid metal base and flexible slats installed on it is considered more reliable.

It is a mistake to think that a design with flexible slats is intended exclusively for a special orthopedic mattress. Any mattress can be laid on such a base, while the beneficial properties of the bed remain the same.

The mattress for such a bed can be single, one-and-a-half or double, but in any case it is a continuous one-piece structure. While there are only single and double flexible bases, here the number of sleeping places is determined by the number of sections with slats. In other words, the mechanism is focused on a specific person.

Single and double beds are determined by the number of sections with flexible slats.

We will deal with the classification of lamellas, types of frames and selection rules a little later, but now let’s talk about the useful properties of the structure:

• Flexible crossbars double the orthopedic effect of a modern spring or polyurethane mattress. The bed does not become softer or harder, the therapeutic effect is distributed pointwise, as needed.
• With the constant use of even the best mattress on a hard base, sooner or later the product will be pressed at the points with the greatest load. Flexible slats compensate for the negative impact and extend the life of an expensive mattress by at least twice.
• As practice has shown, antiseptic mattress fillers do not provide one hundred percent protection against bed parasites. The only reliable means of combating such living creatures is good ventilation, and the lattice base at the bottom does not in any way impede the movement of air inside the mattress.
• All modern beds from trusted manufacturers are made from environmentally friendly or neutral materials, which is confirmed by certificates of conformity.
• The base with elastic lamellas is an order of magnitude lighter than a solid rigid board or metal mesh.
• Installing the lamellas yourself will not be difficult; moreover, the body in such structures is completely dismountable.

When disassembled, the entire mechanism of the double flexible base fits into a passenger car.

• The legs in such beds are adjustable, so the structure can be quickly adjusted to the horizon, and the absence of distortions in the base is considered one of the important conditions for a comfortable sleep.
• Most models of flexible beds are liftable, in other words, the rigid frame with slats is equipped with a lifting device and when opened, the owners have full access to a spacious linen box.

A spacious linen drawer will be a good help in the house.

Why does an orthopedic mattress need a special base?

The main function of the orthopedic structure is to distribute pressure over different zones of rigidity. The higher the load, the greater the deflection. The spine remains in the correct position.

Other advantages of using an orthopedic base:

• The mattress does not wrinkle or sag in areas of high load; there is no “hammock effect”.
• Improves anatomical support.
• The spaces between the lamellas promote good air exchange, and the moisture released by the body evaporates freely. The mattress is ventilated, and dust mites are less likely to appear in it.
• The service life of the mattress increases by 1–3 years.
• The load is evenly distributed throughout the structure.
• The base with legs can be used without a bed.

USEFUL INFORMATION: Mattress for a teenager: which filler to choose, with or without springs, dimensions, hardness

Tools for furniture assembly

1. Electric screwdriver. Indispensable for screwing in screws and attaching fittings.

A screwdriver will help you speed up the assembly process

Drill for drilling holes in chipboard, it is desirable that the drill has a reverse

Drills for wood and metal of different diameters

A jigsaw is needed for sawing off parts

You may need a rubber hammer if you need to knock something and put it in its place.

Hex key for confirmation for assembling cabinet furniture

Construction hair dryer for gluing edges

Furniture clamps for fixing, gluing, joining parts

A stapler will be very useful for stuffing the back wall of fiberboard

Remember to be vigilant and cautious when using these tools. Don't act hastily. It's best to invite an assistant

It is best to invite an assistant.

Fixing tools have an important role in twisting furniture, and also as important “helpers”. These and other gear perform the function of installing fragile parts (mirrors and handles). They help attach and adjust doors.

Wooden and metal

Which is better, a wooden or metal base?

1. The wooden frame is in most cases folding or collapsible. Metal is usually solid.
2. Wooden bases are easier to transport and install than metal ones.
3. The metal body lasts a long time and is more wear-resistant.
4. Sofa beds often have a metal base.
5. Anatomical wood gratings are usually slightly more expensive than steel ones.
6. The wooden base, which is installed without the bed, matches well with the bedroom furniture.

Made of wood

Made of metal

With lifting mechanism

A bed or sofa with an orthopedic lattice and a lifting mechanism serves not only as a place to sleep, but also as a space for storing bed linen or other things. The lifting mechanism can be:

• Manual. Lasts a long time, but is the least convenient.
• Spring-loaded. The base is fixed in a raised position.
• With gas shock absorbers. With them, even a heavy grate rises quietly and smoothly.
• Electrically driven. The lift can be controlled via the remote control.

The assembly of the lifting mechanism with gas lifts is presented in the video.

Necessary materials

When choosing a material, you should take into account its harmlessness to humans, because you will have to spend quite a lot of time on it. The best material is natural wood. It is strong, durable, harmless, but also the most expensive.

• pine timber 50Х50 2 pcs. 4.5 m each;
• laminated furniture chipboard (chipboard);
• MDF (fine fraction board);
• plywood;
• fasteners (screws, confirmations, dowels, plugs, eccentric clamp);
• glue;
• edge material.

You should prepare a headboard, drawers, and footboard. They are made after choosing a design and drawing up drawings.

Products with adjustment

Special cursors in the area of ​​the highest load make it possible to select the rigidity of the lamellas, adjusting the base to the personal needs of the user.

• By sliding the sliders in and out, you can set an enhanced level of body support.

• Cursors that regulate rigidity are most often installed in the lumbar region, but can also be located on all lamellas.

• Installation of an additional block with double or triple slats in the active zone improves the orthopedic characteristics of the mattress.

USEFUL INFORMATION: Orthopedic folding bed with mattress

In transformable bases, you can change the angle of inclination in the head, legs and lumbar area. Adjustment can be mechanical or using an electric drive.

Types of slats

Wooden planks are made from bent-glued plywood, formed from several layers of veneer. Strength and flexibility depend on the type of wood. The slats can be wide or narrow. The width of the lamellas is selected for the mattress:

• Wide battens (5.3–9 cm) are suitable for springless models, Bonnell springs, as well as products with a low spring density and hard filler. They are cheaper, but over time they can begin to creak. A mattress with such a lattice wears out faster.
• Narrow strips (3–5.2 cm) are chosen for models with independent springs or with increased spring density. Suitable for all types of mattresses, excellent springiness, but more expensive.

Wide slats

Narrow slats

If the weight of a sleeping person does not exceed 90 kg, then it is better to take a design with narrow armor.

Lat holders for attaching lamellas have different degrees of mobility. There are:

• mortise - the lamellas are located inside the frame body, there is a tendency to creak;
• plastic overhead – mounted on top of the frame;
• overhead rubber - fixed at the top, have a platform to reduce the load on the armor, the most durable.

Mortise

Plastic overlays

Made from rubber

First stage

At the beginning, we prepare the materials and necessary tools. The most suitable material for our base is pine timber, which can be purchased at a hardware store or at a sawmill. Its dimensions are 50 mm by 50 mm. The base for the mattress will be furniture laminated chipboard, and we will make decorative elements of the bed from the slab material.

To calculate what length of timber to buy, you need to understand where it will be used. The timber will be used to strengthen the base, to support the base on which the mattress will rest. In our case, the most optimal size for the length of the beam is 4.5 meters. You need a couple of such bars. Since the elements made from beams will not be visible in our bed, you can purchase unplaned timber. It is better if it is cut to size on site. Such timber will be more convenient to transport.

Be sure to check how it was stored before purchasing the timber. It should be stored under cover. Pay attention to how it was laid, whether spacers were used between layers. Otherwise, you may end up with low-quality material, with mold, darkening or cyanosis. Such timber is often severely deformed due to drying.

If the timber was stored in unsuitable storage conditions, do not buy it, because you can choose a more suitable, high-quality material. For example, laminated veneer lumber. Such timber costs much more, but the quality of your product will increase significantly. Here you should not save money. After all, we do it for ourselves, our loved ones.

The next stage is preparing the base parts

The head of the bed needs to be made beautifully and neatly. The head back will be made of slab material and furniture chipboard. Make sure that the texture of the headboard material is directed from top to bottom or bottom to top, that is, it is transverse. It is good to process the bottom edge with a milling cutter according to the prepared sketch; this will give the finished product an aesthetic appearance. Take all this into account when cutting the material.

We make the holder from a block 20 cm long. It is fixed across the width and in the center, at a height of 15 cm from the bottom edge. We secure them with self-tapping screws and put them on glue.

The holder is fixed in the center of the beam. It is necessary to fix the racks on the sides of the head cloth. They are made from slab material.

The profile is connected to the headboard using prepared glue and dowels. It is necessary to apply glue not only to the dowels, but also along the entire length to the end of the head sheet.

At the top, on the headboard, we fix an additional decorative profile. Fix it in the same way as you strengthened the bed posts. Although this technology can be simplified a little. Only glue can be used. Do not use dowels. But double fasteners, reinforcing each other, will allow your product to be more reliable and durable.

If you have the capabilities and desire, and most importantly certain skills, then you can make racks in the form of columns using turned wooden elements. This will additionally give the product a more aesthetic appearance. The only point is that the turned part needs to be flattened with a plane for more convenient attachment to the side of the headboard.

The side opposite the headboard, called the footboard, is made according to a similar pattern as the headboard. The main difference in fastening the small backrest to the drawers is that it is done using eccentric ties. To ensure that the fastening elements are not visible from the outside, minifixes are used.

On the side of the large backrest, fastening is much easier, because most often this side of the bed is placed against the wall. Here, even if the confirmation hats are visible, it practically does not matter much.

The longitudinal parts of the bed base are the drawers. They are manufactured by first preparing the structural holes. A hole for a mini fix can also be used here. Then, at a height of eight centimeters, you need to glue the base block and secure it with self-tapping screws.

How to choose a suitable orthopedic base

The orthopedic effect base can be used with or without a bed frame. Functionality depends on the correct choice.

1. The size and design of the base are selected for a specific mattress model. The most expensive type of orthopedic product cannot improve the quality of a cheap product.
2. For models based on an independent spring unit, grilles with an increased number of battens are suitable. This frame is compatible with any mattress.
3. The base for a single bed can have four support points. Larger structures require the installation of 5 to 8 legs.
4. A children's mattress and an orthopedic base for it must be at least 160 × 80 cm, since the length is chosen to be at least 20 cm greater than the child's height.
5. Standard orthopedic bases have the following parameters:

USEFUL INFORMATION: What is a mattress cover: which one is better to choose?

The dimensions of the base are determined by the internal size of the bed, which corresponds to the size of the mattress.

Signs of a quality frame:

• rounded shape of the legs, as the large working area increases stability;
• profile – 30 × 30 mm with a wall thickness of 1.5 mm;
• the number of wide lamellas is at least 12–15 pcs., narrow ones – from 22 pcs. and more;
• reliable fastening of the lath holders.

The benefits of making it yourself

Doing it yourself has the following benefits:

First of all, it's not as difficult as it seems.

Secondly, with independent production, under control, the selection of materials, the accuracy of preparation of parts, and assembly. You can make the bed the way you want, and not the one they offer. The choice of natural, healthy materials is very important, because a person spends a third of all time on the bed while sleeping.

Thirdly, a bed made by yourself will cost at least 2 times cheaper than a purchased one.

A simple wooden bed with a homemade orthopedic base

Popular makes and models

The range of orthopedic bases allows you to choose the right model. The price depends on functionality, material, size and offers a line of budget products. The products are made from natural materials. There are models with and without legs. The metal base with a lifting mechanism is complemented by birch slats and has 25.5 cm legs with adjustable height.

The DreamLine “Active Best” collapsible bed base is designed for mattresses of any type. All-welded metal frame, overhead lath holders are designed to fit thin birch lamellas. Removable legs allow you to use the grill without installing them.

Benartti produces only models with a reliable metal base. Birch is used for the slats. Lat holders are overhead, which ensures a quiet rest without squeaking.