Lifting mechanism for a bed: types, selection, operation

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

A gas lift for a bed is a device that makes it easier to lift the upper part of the structure without extra effort. The operating principle of this small device is similar to that of a car shock absorber. The main components of the product are:

Cylinder with gas (nitrogen is almost always used). It must be taken into account that there is high pressure inside the cylinder, so it is not worth repairing or disassembling it yourself.
Piston with rod - this part helps transmit the force generated during operation of the product.
Oil muffler (can also be made of rubber). A gasket whose main task is to stop vibrations that occur during the operation of a gas lift.
Retainers. Plates made of durable steel, with which the gas lift is fixed to the bed frame.

Many companies equip their furniture with gas lifts not only to make it convenient for the owner to store and search for various things. Beds supplemented with a similar device ensure an anatomically correct position of the spine during rest. They also do not have joints and seams, which often cause discomfort. Other advantages of the product include:

Simplicity of design.
Since the lift is assembled from just a few elements and operates using pressure, it is affordable.
Easy installation.
Reliable and durable - each product is designed to last approximately 20,000 lifts.
No noise during operation.
The device is completely safe for health.

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As for the weaknesses of beds equipped with a gas lift, there are only 2 of them. If you purchase a bed with springs in the upper block, you will need to put a lot of effort into lifting the element. The second disadvantage is that gas lifts that can withstand heavy loads are expensive.

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

Gas shock absorbers

These bed lift mechanisms are very convenient to use. The entire load of lifting the orthopedic frame with the mattress falls on the shock absorbers, which ensures ease of use of the device.

The advantages of these gas shock absorbers include the fact that they can lift a lot of weight - up to 100 kilograms.

The disadvantages are high cost, which is compensated by long service life, reliability and convenience.

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

Step-by-step instructions for choosing

Many people believe that lifts are installed only on double models. In reality this is not the case. Lifting units are installed in furniture of any size and model. Therefore, the type of bed is not at all important when choosing. You need to pay attention to other features. Let's look step by step at how to choose a bed with a lifting mechanism 160x200 and other sizes.

1. Determine the size

First you need to determine the dimensions of the sleeping place. This is especially true if you have to take into account every centimeter of free space. On average, for normal sleep, one person needs a minimum of 90 cm in width and 200 cm in length. Based on this, the dimensions are calculated. The dimensions of the bed for standard “single beds” are 90x200 cm, “one and a half” – 120x200 cm, “double beds” – 140x200, 160x200 or 180x200 cm. “King size” or “king size” models are even wider - 200x200 cm. At the same time, the width The furniture itself is usually 7-10 cm larger.

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Selecting the type of mechanism

The structure can be raised in different ways. If a horizontal lift is installed, the base is raised to a certain height and fixed parallel to the floor. There is another variety. It's called a "book". In this case, only one side of the bed rises: one of the sides or the one located near the head of the bed. Lifting mechanisms are also different. Three options are most often used.

Gas shock absorber or gas lift

The main structural element is a container filled with compressed gas. This may be air or, in more expensive products, nitrogen. In the first case, the walls of the flask corrode over time, in the second, the metal remains intact. There is a piston inside the cylindrical container. As it rises, gas fills the cylinder and lifts the mattress. The descending piston compresses the gas and lowers the base. All this happens smoothly and quickly. The user does not make any effort.

pros

Durability. The gas lift is designed for 70-90 thousand operating cycles.
The mattress rises easily. A woman or child can lift it independently.
Injury safety. The raised base is securely fixed. It cannot go down voluntarily.
Autonomous work. No electrical connection required.
Maintainability. A broken microlift can be repaired.

Minuses

High price.
To install a shock absorber, choose only furniture with a durable body. When the piston operates, pressure is exerted on it, which can tear the insufficiently strong sidewalls.

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Spring block

A spring assembly is mounted between the frame and the base. Coiled steel springs help lift a heavy mattress. But they only partially compensate for the effort. The mechanism requires an initial impulse that will bring it into working condition. After receiving it, the springs bring the base to the desired position.

pros

The spring assembly is light and compact.
Lifting will require little effort. True, the child may no longer cope on his own.
Affordable price.
Maintainability. The springs can be replaced yourself.

Minuses

After two to three years of active use, the spring stretches. It needs to be changed.
The service life is two to three times less than that of gas shock absorbers.

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Manual or lever system

An extremely simple design based on levers. Attached to one side of the base with hinges. Lifting is done manually by the user. He has to put in significant effort, especially if the mattress is heavy.

pros

A simple design that is practically unbreakable.
Low price.
Periodic replacement of parts is not necessary.
Durability.

Minuses

Raising/lowering the base requires significant effort.
Potential risk of injury as the bed cannot be secured when raised.

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If we consider which bed with a lifting mechanism is better and more convenient to use, furniture with a gas lift can be considered the leader. It transforms quickly and effortlessly, and lasts a long time. Less convenient, but still quite acceptable, are spring blocks. Their main advantage is their affordable price. Manual structures are the most inconvenient and even dangerous. They are not recommended for children's furniture and double models.

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3. Choose a frame

Different materials are used for the frame. Their characteristics affect the quality of the design. There may be several options.

Metal, most often aluminum or steel alloy.
Wood panels: chipboard, MDF or fiberboard.
Solid wood: beech, oak, ash, etc.
Combination of several materials.

The most durable models are made of metal. They withstand significant loads well. Solid wood frames are the most expensive and beautiful. They are quite durable, but require regular maintenance, like any other natural material. Wood panels are used for budget models. They are afraid of moisture, hold loads worse and do not last very long.

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4. Determine the type of lamellas

The raised bed base is rarely made solid. Only if a significant load is expected on it. It is usually assembled from lamellas located at some distance from each other. Slightly curved strips are springy, creating an additional orthopedic effect. There are wide and narrow slats. The first ones are used for mattresses with spring blocks such as TFC or Bonnell. They are also suitable for springless models. Narrow slats can be placed under any type of mattress.

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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.

Model options

The variety of product options is very large, so the question of how to choose a bed is resolved fairly quickly. The main criterion is the size of the furniture. The length of the products is usually 1.9-2 m, width 1.6-2 m.

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An important nuance when choosing a bed is the type of construction. The durability and reliability of furniture depends on this. Main subspecies:

frame with two backs, two sides and metal corners that allow connections;
design with a rough frame, to which decorative linings and overlays are attached to the sides;
reinforced frame with a crossbar made of chipboard and equipped with legs that take on part of the load.

The furniture market offers non-standard bed models, the length and width of which exceed 2 m.

Double beds can be of various shapes:

rectangular - this is the most popular option used in most rooms;
square - fits well into a strict design;
oval and round - allow you to create an original and stylish interior.

The double sofa bed with a lifting mechanism deserves special attention. It is distinguished by functionality, compactness, versatility, and the presence of drawers for clothes. It can be presented in different types: corner, with three backs, drawers, armrests, orthopedic mattress, separate spring blocks.

Rectangular Square Round Ottoman

When purchasing such a bed, you need to pay attention to the type of base. It is attached to the structure and serves as a support for the mattress. The quality of your vacation will directly depend on the right choice. There are two types of bases:

Solid (rigid): Typically made from plywood or chipboard. It is low cost and suitable for different types of mattresses. However, the durable fabric has relatively low wear resistance and comfort. This design can break under high loads.
Laminar base (orthopedic) - consists of a frame, wooden slats and supports. Provides effective ventilation of the structure, is easy to install, and has high orthopedic properties.

In order for the bed to last as long as possible, special attention should be paid to the quality of the slats.

Solid foundation

Sheet base

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.

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

DIY assembly

Every owner dreams of purchasing not only a practical, but also a comfortable bed. The lifting mechanism is easy to assemble. However, before starting the planned manipulations, it is recommended to read the instructions.

Required materials and tools

To perform the manipulations, you will need the following equipment:

Hardware.
Screwdrivers, wrench and screwdriver.
Tape measure for measuring distance.
Level.
Hammer.
Paper and pencil.

Base assembly

To collect the base you will need to perform the following manipulations:

Take the elements out of the box and check the integrity of each of them.
Lay out the drawers and screw the backrest to them. They are first connected to each other.
If the model uses power elements, it is recommended to use screws to secure them.

Assembly diagram

Installation of legs

The legs can be already built-in or separately screwed to the top of the drawers. Before installation begins, markings are made. It is not recommended to immediately tighten the screws to the end. Subsequently, it will be easier to adjust the level of the bed.

Mounting the lifting mechanism

The lifting mechanism is considered the most important in this design. To secure it, perform the following steps:

Fixing the frame in an open form.
Align the gap between the top and the base.
The lifting mechanism is secured by a cylinder. For additional fixation, locking rings and washers are used.
The nuts are not tightened all the way. It is necessary to leave some play for ease of further use.

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:

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 orthopedic bed bases, selection criteria

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.