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A sofa bed is a fine piece of furniture that combines the functionality of a sofa with the comfort of a bed. But how does a sofa bed actually work? The secret lies in the mechanism, the technical heart of every sofa bed. We will tell you more about the operation of different sofa bed mechanisms, so you will discover what makes each system unique and which sofa bed fits best in your home. And of course you will get an answer to the question: how does a sofa bed work?
All sofa bed mechanisms work according to the same basic principle: transforming from a seat to a lounger. This is done by means of a unique system of hinges, rails, springs and supports that ensure that the sofa can be smoothly folded out into a full-fledged bed. The way in which this transformation takes place differs between the different types of mechanisms.
The mechanism not only determines how the sofa unfolds, but also the quality of sleeping comfort, the durability of the system and its suitability for daily use. Therefore, it is important to understand how each mechanism works before making a choice.
The Royal mechanism is considered the most luxurious and high-quality folding system available. This mechanism works with an advanced metal frame system that ensures an exceptionally smooth transformation from sofa to bed.
Bee Royal mechanics you do not need to remove the seat cushions before unfolding the sofa. A simple action activates the mechanism and the bed unfolds automatically. The special thing about this system is that the seating area is completely separated from the sleeping area. This means that you sleep on a separate mattress that is not used for sitting.
The mechanism rests on a stable metal grid base that provides optimum support. The bed height of 55 cm makes getting up and lying down easy, even for people with mobility problems. The Royal mechanism can accommodate mattresses from 14 cm thick, with some models even being able to handle mattresses of 20 cm.
A big advantage of the Royal mechanism is that the fitted sheet can remain on the mattress, which makes the bed ready for use quickly. Some models also have a handy storage space for pillows integrated.
The Comfort Plus mechanism is designed for sofa beds that are used regularly as a bed, but not necessarily every night. This mechanism provides a fine balance between functionality and comfort.
As with the Royal mechanism, you do not need to Comfort Plus system do not remove the cushions before unfolding the sofa. The mechanism works with a system of hinges and rails that ensure a smooth transformation. Here too, a separate mattress emerges, keeping the seating area separate from the sleeping area.
The bed height with the Comfort Plus mechanism is between 50 and 54 cm, depending on the specific model. For optimum sleeping comfort with frequent use, it is often recommended to choose a slatted base instead of a metal grid as a bed base.
The Comfort mechanism is a step simpler than the Plus variant, but retains the important principle of separate sitting and sleeping functions. This mechanism is suitable for situations where both the sofa and the bed are not used intensively on a daily basis.
The unfolding process at the Comfort mechanism requires a bit more handling than the more expensive variants, but is still relatively simple. The mechanism ensures that a separate sleeping surface is available that is not used for sitting.
The Comfort mechanism is often equipped with a firm suspension, whereby the choice between a slatted base or metal grid depends on the specific model and the desired price range. The suitability for regular use is good, although the system is not designed for daily intensive use.
It Functional mechanics is known for its space-saving properties. In this system, the sofa beds generally take up the least space in terms of width, making them ideal for smaller rooms or studios.
The special thing about the Functional mechanism is that the seat cushions also serve as a mattress. This means that no extra space is lost to a complex mechanism. The unfolding is done by folding out the seat cushions or sliding them to a flat sleeping surface. This system is very practical in terms of space saving, yet it means that the sitting and sleeping surfaces are not separated. For occasional use this is usually not a problem,
It Functional Transverse mechanism is a unique variation where the sofa folds out to form a bed where the sofa width becomes the bed length. This means that you lie along the wall instead of perpendicular to it.
This system works with a turning mechanism or extension system where the sleeping direction is turned 90 degrees in relation to the sitting direction. In some models the sofa does not have to be fully unfolded for one person, removing the cushions can then be sufficient.
For two people, the sofa is folded out on the long side. Because the sleeping direction is along the wall, the total folded out size will be almost as wide as the bed width. This makes sofa beds This mechanism makes it very suitable for narrow rooms where a traditionally folded out sofa bed would take up too much space.
For daily use, the Royal mechanism is the best choice because of its sturdiness and comfort. For regular use, the Comfort Plus mechanism is a fine balance between functionality and price. For occasional use, the Comfort or Functional mechanism may suffice, depending on the spatial limitations and preference for separate sitting and sleeping functions. A well-chosen sofa bed with the right mechanism will serve you for years, as a comfortable seat and as a wonderful bed. To create an even better picture of the question: How does a sofa bed work? We would like to invite you to our showroom, so you can experience it yourself.