American folding sofa with orthopedic mattress (review)

Design features

Many citizens are familiar with the situation of lack of free space indoors. The “American folding bed” sofa transformation mechanism allows you to solve this problem. When folded, such accessories take up minimal space, and after unfolding they become very functional.

It is worth noting that the devices in question are often preferred by those users who can afford not to save on space. Convenience and practicality have not yet been canceled. By the way, it would be more correct to call the “American folding bed” mechanism differently – “Belgian bed” (it was invented in Belgium). It’s just that in the USA this trend developed more actively and with an eye to mass consumption. Many modifications are transformed with the possibility of retaining the upper pillows, which are fastened in a special way. Such versions are considered the most practical and convenient.

Advantages

Sofas with the “American folding bed” mechanism were originally created with grid configurations. The lattice cells could be of different sizes and shapes. These elements sagged over time and ceased to perform their function. In this regard, most manufacturers abandoned this decision. Modern designs are created using the Sedaflex system, which provides combined options. Plate bases are mounted in the center and head of the berth, and elastic polymer belts are installed on other parts.

As follows from consumer reviews, they choose the beds in question most often because of the possibility of transformation into minimal sizes, which allows them to be used in small rooms without any problems. In addition, such modifications are designed for heavy loads. They can withstand up to 200-250 kilograms. This point should be clarified when choosing the model you like.

Advantages and disadvantages

American folding beds are positioned by manufacturers as a replacement bed for daily sleep. Therefore, first of all, the advantages of such furniture include:

ease and noiselessness of transformation of the mechanism;
a flat surface of the sleeping place, no drops or stiffeners on it;
stability and strength of the frame due to the metal base;
ability to withstand loads up to 200 kg;
the presence of an orthopedic base (for more expensive models).

In terms of design and functionality, sedaflex is a kind of hybrid of a sofa and a bed. The mattress and seat cushions do not depend on each other during use and therefore sag less and, accordingly, last longer.

The sofa with sedaflex transformation mechanism is suitable for daily use.

A plus is the fact that during transformation the base legs do not leave scratches on the floor. However, if the mechanism is used for a long time in the same place, indentations from the supports on the soft floor covering may form.

The disadvantages of American folding beds include:

Lack of drawers for linen in straight sofas. Corner models have a pencil case in the side part, which is not involved in the transformation of the frame.
Like any complex structure that experiences constant loads, the Sedaflex mechanism can break. Most often this applies to threaded and rivet connections.
Although the mattresses of folding sofas are positioned as orthopedic, they are still inferior in their characteristics to mattresses for beds and wear out faster.
The base of the sofa requires careful handling - children jumping on it will lead to its deformation.

When buying such a sofa, keep in mind that a drawer for storing linen is not provided in straight models.

Video: How to unfold a sedaflex sofa

Varieties

The advantages of the “American clamshell” mechanism include the fact that it can be placed on almost any floor covering. Laminate, parquet and carpet will remain intact, which cannot be said when using standard sliding sofas. There are multiple variations of the design in question on the market, from which you can choose a model that best suits the individual requirements of the user and the interior of the room.

As already mentioned, modern sofas are mainly equipped with plate fittings of the Sedaflex type. It allows you to quickly assemble and disassemble furniture through a couple of simple manipulations. Consumers note the high build quality and increased wear resistance of the products. As a rule, the frames of such beds and sofas are made of durable metal, to which orthopedic armor is attached.

Interesting Facts

The “American clamshell” mechanism serves for a long time, maintaining its visual appeal. This is typical even if the bed is used constantly and by people with a lot of weight. Recently, options such as multilayer structures with a spring block have become common. The last element is mainly located in the lower part of the structure. On the upper compartments there is a soft layer of special filler. Such mattresses are designed to be rolled up repeatedly at an angle of up to 180 degrees. Often the product in question is equipped with an orthopedic top, which is not only comfortable, but also useful for sleeping.

Furniture with plate structures can be used daily. Such models are distinguished by reliable and durable designs that are not subject to mechanical damage and rapid wear.

Mattress included or separately

It's up to you to buy a sofa with an orthopedic mattress or a regular one. This type of furniture often already has a high-quality thick mattress 10-14 cm high . It can be with a spring block or only with fillers, and in new furniture items you can find successful combinations - springs of different stiffness with layers of soft materials (polyurethane foam, natural latex, padding polyester, down).

However, if you don’t find a sofa with a mattress that exactly suits your needs and tastes, you can always buy a regular sofa and then choose the perfect mattress to go with it. And here you should not limit your own preferences by choosing any mattress of the required hardness and ideal size for your sleeping place.

If you decide to purchase a mattress separately, then the sum of two items (a sofa and a mattress) may exceed the cost of a sofa with an orthopedic mattress.

Budget versions

Sofas (160 cm) with an “American folding bed” mechanism can use elements without metal welded mesh. They are less common than plate counterparts, are not intended for daily use, and are prone to “sagging” and dents. Many manufacturers have abandoned such designs, given negative user feedback and poor technical performance. The commercially available models are called guest models, which are designed for meeting friends who decide to stay with you for one or two nights.

In-bed folding beds

Replacement and repair of sofa (indoor) folding beds at the customer’s home in Moscow and the region, sale from a warehouse, sending mechanisms to all regions of Russia.

Sofa or in-bed folding beds are the general name for transformation mechanisms that are located inside the sofa, and when removed, form a folding bed - a folding bed. All in-bed folding beds are divided into two groups according to the type of folding - two-fold and three-fold. The common name for tri-fold mechanisms is French clamshell, and bi-fold mechanisms are called American clamshells. The Belgian folding bed and the Italian folding bed, so called by the country of origin, come in both double and triple folding.

To place an order for an in-bed folding bed you need:

Determine from the photographs which design you have installed.
If possible, remember the country of manufacture and year of manufacture of the sofa.
Measure the width of the product's sleeping area along the outer sides of the tubular frame. If the sofa is foreign-made, then also measure the length of the bed. The sleeping area is the surface on which the mattress lies and on which you sleep.
Call us at +7 and place an order.

How to resize a clamshell

The photographs show options for removing all sizes, however, if the sofa is of domestic production, we only need information about the width of the sleeping area of your folding bed.

Removing the dimensions of a cot bed

Removing sofa parameters

Device

Not all “American clamshell” mechanisms provide for orthopedic modifications. In this regard, when purchasing, you should pay attention to these subtleties. The transformation of such products is carried out without any problems. For this purpose, there are two elements that are located under the main parts.

The actual action is done by lifting the structure up using a special handle on the front. You just need to pull it forward a little. After this operation, the bed (or sofa) is placed on strong metal legs. To extend the service life of the device, do not make sudden movements, which will avoid damage to structural parts.

American folding bed

In what ways are our mattresses superior to the factory ones that the manufacturer supplies with folding beds upon release? You can guess that, in an effort to reduce the cost of products as much as possible, most manufacturers invest in cheap, low-quality mattresses in folding beds. Such products are short-lived, uncomfortable, and their synthetic lining can even cause an allergic reaction. Of course, only a small proportion of these mattresses are able to last until the end of the warranty period. Nothing surprising, since most of them do not even comply with GOST, being based on a low-quality block of dependent springs.

For those who value comfort and quality of sleep, we suggest paying attention to Molto Bene mattresses. We have been producing certified products for more than ten years, and during this time not only our regular customers, but also ourselves have tested them.

The products that we manufacture and sell are based on blocks of independent springs. This avoids crunching and squeaking even during prolonged use. The springs will never dig into your back and will not interfere with the transformation of the sofa.

The springs are located deep in the structure; latex coconut fiber separates them from the back of the sleeper. Thanks to this treatment, the coconut does not crumble during repeated bending, and the sleeping area becomes smooth, dense, and elastic.

No less popular fillers are modern polyurethane and latex, thanks to which the mattress gains lightness and elasticity. Unlike cheap analogues, our materials last a very long time without changing their performance characteristics.

Our mattresses are encased in high-quality jacquard covers with thermal stitching. This means that neither allergies nor dust mites will be familiar to you. The materials are resistant to abrasion and dirt, can withstand significant mechanical loads and are easy to clean. You can purchase ready-made mattresses or have them made to your personal measurements. If you order a Molto Bene folding bed at once, you will receive good discounts.

Recommendations for selection

Before purchasing a mattress with an “American folding bed” mechanism, you must clearly understand the purpose of the device. If the bed or sofa is planned to be used only for guests and temporary stay of friends, a budget version like “Sedaflex-12” is quite suitable.

For daily use, it is better to purchase a version with plate elements that have increased strength and user characteristics. Despite the fact that such furniture will be more expensive, it will last at least seven years.

You must first measure the room in which you intend to install a sleeping device with a type of “American folding bed” mechanism. It would be a good idea to check the seams and the surface of the sofa itself. It is best to ask the sales consultant to clearly demonstrate the capabilities of the purchased product. In addition, the set must be harmoniously combined with the existing or planned interior.

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.

Analogs

The sofa transformation mechanism (“American folding bed”) has two types of folding. The most popular is the Sedaflex variety, which was mentioned earlier. The second option requires removing the upper part of the seat, which occupies a large area of the device. This version is considered outdated and is offered in few places, especially in new modifications.

By design, the sleeping beds in question are of two types, namely:

With direct installation, which is perfect for bedrooms and children's rooms.
In a corner design, which is more difficult to install. They are aimed at large rooms.

The price of such a bed is relatively low, which is noted by many buyers (from 25,000 rubles).

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.

User reviews

Today, sofas with an “American folding bed” mechanism are available in many homes. Due to their versatility and efficiency, they are popular among owners of apartments and cottages. Consumers point to the strength and durability of modifications equipped with plate structures. They serve for many years, do not lose their attractiveness and are not subject to dents.

As the owners note, resting and sleeping on such furniture is a real pleasure. This is especially true for models with an orthopedic mattress. Another argument noted by users in favor of “American folding beds” is the possibility of using them in small spaces. In addition, the market offers many modifications, among which anyone, even the most sophisticated buyer, will be able to choose an option taking into account their own criteria and interior design. Among the negative aspects, people note budget models that are not suitable for constant use. Such versions are only suitable for guests or friends to spend the night with you.

Advantages of the American clamshell model

The main advantages of American beds.

Quality and durability of the transforming mechanism. They can withstand heavy loads all day long. The sofa will not lose its functionality and appearance after a few years.