Comfortable and compact sofa beds, thanks to the “two-in-one” effect, are actively used in small-sized apartments, allowing owners to save on the cost of purchasing furniture. An additional bonus for owners is the purchase of products that have an orthopedic mattress at the base of the bed.
A balanced approach to choosing a folding design is a guarantee of purchasing a sofa that is not inferior to a bed in terms of convenience and comfort.
Advantages and disadvantages of orthopedic sofas
The importance of correct spinal position during sleep has been proven. Sofa pillows, which are part of the sleeping area, have reduced rigidity, which is not good for the back. The soft base sags over time and becomes deformed under the weight of the body. Sleeping on an orthopedic mattress is a prevention of a number of diseases – scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis and others. However, in case of established medical diagnoses, back injuries and other pathologies of the spine, a bed with an orthopedic mattress of the required rigidity should be preferred to a sofa.
When thinking about health, it is worth noting that such a familiar comfortable bed can be replaced by orthopedic sofas for sleeping.
The undoubted advantage of sofa beds is their space saving and the possibility of their transformation - you can not only sleep on them, but also receive guests. A significant drawback of folding models without linen drawers is the lack of storage space for pillows and blankets. The cost of products with orthopedic mattresses is higher than that of conventional sofa beds.
Sofas with an orthopedic mattress for daily use will be an ideal addition to the living room.
Types of upholstery materials that are best for sleeping
If you decide to choose a chair-bed with an orthopedic mattress for daily sleep, then pay attention to the upholstery of the chair. It can be made of various materials with different performance properties:
- velor is a durable and elastic material that is highly practical. Ideal for frequently used furniture, does not require special care and looks great;
- genuine leather is one of the most expensive upholstery materials. Used to make luxury furniture. It is not afraid of contamination, has high strength and elasticity;
- artificial leather - not inferior in properties to natural leather, does not attract pets with its smell, but costs much less;
- flock is an elastic material that does not require special care. In addition, it has fire-resistant properties.
If the chair will often be used for sleeping, it is best to choose breathable materials - velor or flock. If there are pets in the house, it is not recommended to purchase furniture made of genuine leather.
General requirements and selection criteria
The size and design of the product, shape (straight or angular), the color scheme of the upholstery are important, but not essential parameters that you should pay attention to when buying a good and reliable sofa bed.
Manufacturers have taken care of many options for choosing models, from the type of spring or springless mattress to the folding mechanism.
A piece of furniture interior that is planned to be regularly used for night sleep should be selected taking into account the following criteria:
- ease of use of the folding mechanism;
- quality of frame material;
- the presence of an orthopedic mattress;
- bed size;
- quality of upholstery material and wear resistance parameters of fabric;
- composition of the filler or designs of spring blocks.
This is not only a space saver, but also an opportunity to purchase a children's sofa with an orthopedic mattress.
The best would be a sofa with an orthopedic mattress, which quickly transforms into a bed, has a reliable folding mechanism and a place to sleep with a sufficient degree of rigidity. Hypoallergenic and durable upholstery materials increase the service life of the structure.
At night it turns into a wide bed on which two people can easily sleep.
Sofa book with orthopedic mattress
It's time to pay attention to the slightly outdated model of sofas “Book”. It is also called “Eurocomfort”. By the way, this was the first model that was developed as a folding sofa in France.
When unfolded, you will get a flat surface, space in the sofa tray and joints. It is the joints that will make your sleep uncomfortable, and you will definitely not be able to get enough sleep. To do this, we suggest paying attention when buying a sofa to its main seat.
Photo: Book sofa with orthopedic mattress
If it consists of one full block (which is rare), you can more or less sleep on it. But it is better to choose a sofa book with an orthopedic mattress. “Eurobooks” are produced with orthopedic mattresses based on spring blocks.
Be attentive to the quality of the upholstery of your book sofa and its mattress. It is not always possible to remove the cover from a mattress and throw it in the wash. Therefore, a simpler and cheaper option would be to separately buy a regular “Eurobook” and a mattress to go with it. As you remember, they come in different types; an orthopedic thin mattress would look great for this model.
Types of mattresses
The cost of the sofa is largely affected by the choice of the type of bed. The mattress can be regular or orthopedic, i.e. have increased comfort.
The main advantage of purchasing products with an orthopedic mattress for daily use is its anatomical characteristics.
Products made from
The most popular are spring mattresses, the inner part of which consists of the spring block itself, a cover and a filler.
PPU at the base of mattresses gives the surface greater rigidity than springs. Holofiber fiber is also characterized by increased strength; it does not absorb moisture and odors. The material is valued for its hypoallergenic qualities; mattress covers made from holofiber are of good quality and increased wear resistance. Coconut shavings (compressed coir) in a layer 5-6 cm thick are flexible and elastic, which allows you to create additional support for the spine while you sleep.
The bed base should be comfortable and suitable for healthy daily sleep.
Products of medium hardness are suitable for children and adolescents, so their posture does not deform during sleep.
The spring block may contain independent or dependent springs. The deflection of the surface of the sleeping place depends on the coordination of their action. High-quality springs, even connected to each other in a mesh, do not creak during operation and do not break, breaking through the fabric upholstery. However, over time, they begin to wear out - the blocks stretch under the influence of loads and create a hammock effect in the center of the mattress.
If the block has independent springs, this is more convenient, since two people sleeping next to each other will not interfere with each other.
The most comfortable and ergonomic sofas for sleeping with an orthopedic mattress contain independent springs in their design. Each of them is sewn into a fabric cover and connected to similar elements into ribbons that form a block. Such springs perform their work of supporting the body independently of each other and create an orthopedic effect.
Orthopedic sofas with a block of independent springs are more expensive, but the quality fully justifies the price.
Types and features of orthopedic mattresses in children's sofas
For children's furniture, springless mattresses and products based on an independent spring block are used. Both systems are good, but differ in the level of rigidity and some anatomical properties. For preschool children, a springless polyurethane foam mattress is suitable. For children over 7 years old, you should purchase a mattress with an independent spring block. This system ensures the correct position of the spine during sleep.
Tips for choosing a mattress:
- A model with high or medium rigidity is considered optimal. A soft mattress is strictly prohibited.
- Natural filler makes the furniture “breathable” and hypoallergenic. The best solution is coconut coir filling, but you can purchase products made from jute, seaweed or holcon.
- The thickness of the mattress should be from 6 to 16 cm.
- The maximum permissible weight is limited to 140 kg.
- During operation and under heavy load, the springs should not creak.
A high-quality children's orthopedic sofa bed often consists of polyurethane foam and a layer of coconut coir, and on top the user can also place a topper, which is secured with elastic bands and clamps. The service life depends on the maximum permissible load. On average, such a product will last from 5 to 7 years. If all the above recommendations are taken into account, the service life can be extended to 10 years. Of course, this does not mean that after this period the sofa will become completely unusable; simply due to natural wear and deformation, the orthopedic effect is lost.
Choosing the Right Size
A mattress width of 0.8 m to 1.2 m is enough for the comfort of one sleeper; for two people, the size should be increased to 1.4 meters or more. Standard models of sofa beds have a length of 1.9-2.05 m. This value is calculated based on the average height, to which 15-25 cm is added for the convenience of body positioning.
Creating comfortable conditions for sleeping depends on the dimensions of the sofa when unfolded.
Important! If the future owner is taller than 1.9 meters, you will have to order the production of a sofa bed taking into account individual parameters. The most economical option in this case would be to order a “clamshell” model. Corner structures or sofas with a “book” mechanism will cost the owner more – during their manufacture, the increase in size occurs due to a change in the area of the frame.
Transformation mechanism of an orthopedic chair-bed
In a folding chair for sleeping with a mattress, the accordion folding mechanism is most often used.
It is designed quite simply, but at the same time harmoniously, and consists of three main parts: the first two are necessary to create a berth, and the third block serves as the basis for the seat of the chair. It is more durable, so it can withstand even heavy loads.
In the “accordion”, wooden armor (lamellas) are fixed to a metal frame.
The accordion mechanism has the following advantages:
- ease of operation;
- the ability to create a completely flat orthopedic sleeping place;
- compact dimensions when assembled;
- the ability to place the chair directly against the wall;
- The spaces between the battens ensure unhindered air circulation in the mattress.
Anyone, even a child, can unfold the accordion chair-bed. To do this, you must first pull the seat towards you, and then completely straighten the berth.
To fold the bed into a chair, you need to lift the seat and then simply push the structure into its original position.
When purchasing an orthopedic chair-bed, keep in mind that when unfolded it takes up quite a lot of space, so the layout of the room must be carefully thought out in advance; nearby objects should not interfere with the unfolding of the structure. It is best to make the necessary measurements in advance.
Filler material
Hypoallergenic materials at the base of mattresses (foam rubber, synthetic padding and silicone) are soft. They are comfortable to lie on, but these fillers quickly sag. With regular use at night, over time, a feeling of discomfort appears from body contact with the hard base of the sofa.
Polyurethane foam with a height of at least 10 cm and a density of 30 kg/m3 or more is the optimal filler option in terms of price and quality ratio.
The best sofa for sleeping has a high-quality orthopedic mattress with a height of at least 15-20 cm. Its composition can consist of several functional layers consisting of polyurethane foam, latex, holofiber or coconut fiber. Latex is a natural material that will last longer than artificial polyurethane foam, but mattresses with it are much more expensive than those made of foam rubber or polyurethane foam.
Soft mattresses are purchased for older people so that the product follows the curves of the human body.
What kind of upholstery should a good and practical sofa bed have?
The choice of manufacturing material is important for models in which, when unfolded, the pillows or seat are part of the sleeping area. For daily use of a sofa as a bed with a book mechanism, upholstery made of natural or artificial leather is not suitable. The bed linen rolls and slides on it, and the material itself, although pleasant to the touch, gives off a cold feeling. Leather upholstery for models that transform according to the principle of “folding beds” does not matter - in them the case for the berth is made of textiles.
As the base with which the surface of the sofa is upholstered, materials from natural, synthetic or mixed fibers are selected.
When ordering or purchasing a product, you should take into account that woolen fabrics can prick even through a stretched mattress pad or sheet, and luxurious-looking velor and phlox lose their original luster after 2-3 years of active use. The optimal upholstery for a sofa with a mattress like a regular bed would be mixed fabrics - matting, chenille, tapestry and jacquard. The latter type of fabric is resistant to mechanical stress and does not fade.
Jacquard is more expensive than other mixed fiber textile materials.
Important! For owners of pets, in particular cats, manufacturers of upholstered furniture recommend choosing sofas from “vandal-proof” fabrics – microvelor (fleece with Teflon impregnation), artificial suede, polymer-based “relax”, furniture corduroy, chenille.
On variegated fabric, traces of dirt are not so visible; colorful and bright colors are also suitable for children's rooms. Plain upholstery looks stylish - such a sofa will complement with its laconicism the interior of a living room or bedroom, made in the style of minimalism with an emphasis on asceticism.
The advantages and disadvantages are determined by the buyer in use, but most often fabric upholstery is used in the apartment.
Sofa frame for sleeping
The frame of furniture for daily use is made of metal, solid wood or composite material (chipboard). The basis of the sofa design must be strong and durable. Cheap models use particle board. Solid wood is suitable for luxury furniture. This material is pre-dried and sanded to eliminate defects.
A metal base is more often found in sofas with a “folding bed” transformation mechanism. This frame is also suitable for furniture of non-standard shapes. The folding system is attached directly to the frame, so it is recommended to check all connections before purchasing furniture.
If you hear squeaks during unfolding or operation, you can safely talk about design defects. Manufacturers of luxury upholstered furniture additionally use moisture-resistant birch plywood and natural wood, so there is no risk of frame elements swelling under the influence of moisture.
When answering the question of which sofa is best to choose for daily sleep, interior designers will recommend furniture with a wooden frame, natural filling, fabric upholstery and a durable folding mechanism. Even in a small apartment, where you have to save every scrap of free space, such furniture will become an inseparable element of the interior.
Mechanisms for transforming sofas
When using upholstered furniture every day as a sleeping place, one of the main criteria is the reliability of the guides and rollers contained in the design. The mechanism involved in transforming the sofa should be easy to use, and the material made of steel and wood should withstand regular loads. Metal levers and springs, as well as the frame, which is found in roll-out structures, must be made of high quality steel.
This reduces the likelihood of deformation of the berth under the influence of loads and guarantees a long service life.
According to the principle of unfolding, the mechanisms are divided into
- rotary, typical for modular models;
- roll-out with retractable sections of the “Dolphin” type;
- folding, transformable according to the principle of a regular or “Eurobook”;
- with lifting of structural elements as in the “Accordion” models;
- with a step - the folding block protrudes forward and then returns back (Pantograph mechanism).
Roll-out models require free space to install a bed. A sofa with a transformation mechanism based on the “book” principle will take up the same amount of space when unfolded as when assembled, if free space was left between the wall and the back of the structure during installation.
The choice of folding mechanism is relevant if the sofa is planned to be used in a small room.
This is interesting. Furniture giant IKEA, when purchasing some models of folding sofas, offers, depending on the requirements for a sleeping area, choosing one of several types of mattresses. Swedish designers give preference to mechanisms that operate on the “accordion” and “French clamshell” principles.
Classification
All models of folding orthopedic sofas for daily sleep are primarily classified according to the principle of unpacking:
- Dolphin. The moving part hides in a niche under the seat. It extends when the seat belt is pulled up and forward. A convenient, well-thought-out mechanism allows you to use one hand to transform the sofa into a full-fledged double bed.
- Accordion is a comfortable wide three-block berth. The most popular model. It got its name due to its transformation mechanism, which resembles a stretching accordion.
- Eurobook or click-clack system. An improved model of a folding sofa. The seat is pulled forward and the backrest is placed in its place. Using the “tick-tock” mechanism when laying out allows you to avoid scratching the floor.
- With roll-out mechanism. Has several layers. It is considered the most reliable and convenient. To unfold, pull the seat strap all the way.
- A folding bed is one of the rarely used options for transforming into a comfortable bed. Not intended for regular daily use.
- Eurosophist. One of the options for the “Eurobook”. The unpacking principle is the same.
- Sedaflex is an American version of a folding bed.
The transformation mechanism, depending on the model line, is designed for regular daily or rare use when guests are present.
Basic sofa models
Design options are selected depending on the body type and needs of the owners.
Note! The disadvantages of American and French “folding beds” include the lack of compartments for storing linen in the models. Sofas with such a mechanism “eat up” part of the space of the room - when disassembled they require free space.
Advantages of the model
For the first time, furniture with an orthopedic mattress began to be produced in Italy. This is the first country where their production became serial. Since that time, every domestic factory has adopted sofa manufacturing technologies from these foreign partners.
A sofa bed is a great way to save space without sacrificing comfort.
One of the biggest drawbacks of sofa beds has always been the lack of variety . All models copied each other, but over time this problem was solved when new factories began to open.
The first country producing furniture with an orthopedic mattress is Italy
As for other benefits:
- After the sofa is unfolded, a person will receive a full-fledged bed with high-quality sleeping cover.
- A wide range allows you to choose for any amount of free space.
- An orthopedic mattress is safe for the spine. It will not harm your health and will not create discomfort when waking up in the morning.
Orthopedic mattress safe for the spine
- High-quality furniture will have a reliable mechanism that can withstand repeated disassembly and assembly of the sofa.
- In the production of components, a special relief structure is used. It is needed to maintain a full level of ventilation and prevent the occurrence of fungi.
- Bed-sofas have several types of disassembly mechanisms. This will allow you to choose a model that will take into account the characteristics of the room.
Bed-sofas have several types of disassembly mechanisms
The internal structure of this furniture is designed in such a way that the pressure of the entire body will be distributed evenly across the mattress. It follows the shape of all body contours in any position.
The best sofas with orthopedic effect
The rigid surface of the bed is provided by a reliable wooden and metal frame of the product. The mattresses that are part of the folding sofas of the following models are also distinguished by their high strength and ergonomics:
- “Mirror of the Night” by ANDERSSEN;
- “Family” from Aksona;
- “Manhattan” by Moon Trade;
- “Montreal” from HOFF.
The most comfortable sofas for sleeping every day with an orthopedic mattress that supports the spine are in the middle and high price segment.
Which transformation mechanism is better to choose?
Whether the sofa can provide comfortable daily sleep is determined by the internal design. For constant use, you need to choose the best mechanisms. In this regard, it is better to abandon the traditional version of the “French clamshell”, because with frequent loads the mechanism wears out.
So which is the best sofa mechanism for everyday use?
All options can be classified as follows:
"book";
- "cot";
- "dolphin";
- roll-out design.
If you take the trouble to compile a rating of the most convenient designs and consider the strengths and weaknesses of the models, you will get the following. The most short-lived ones are “clamshells”. The most stable mechanism is the Italian one, which unfolds upside down and has stable supports.
However, for daily use, roll-out mechanisms and “books” are better.
Roll-out models are distinguished by the fact that they are very easy to unfold due to wheels, which are activated by a slight movement of the hand. Owners of matte parquet should avoid this option, since movement on its surface leaves marks and the floor quickly loses its attractive appearance.
“Books,” in particular the popular “click-click” mechanism, are also easy to open.
They are easy to use, but their main problem is the lack of drawers for linen. In addition, you should choose not the softest and tallest models, because when unfolded, they form a depression along the fold line, which only a mattress cover can smooth out.
The best sofas for sleeping with a dependent spring block
The structure of connected elements is called “Bonnel”. It is not a specific spring that reacts to externally applied force, but the entire base of the mattress. Over time, after prolonged use, the spring block becomes loose and deformed. However, those who want to save on purchases choose the following sofa models for sleeping:
- Madrid" or "Malibu" from HOFF;
- “Marrakesh” from Divan Divaniya;
- “Lyra” from Borovichi-Furniture;
- “Mebeliko” from Atlantis.
Despite the design features, mattress models with dependent springs can last up to 10 years.
The most popular model of a corner sofa with a mattress like a real bed among buyers is “Lyra”.
The best sofas for sleeping with an independent spring block
The orthopedic properties of mattresses are ensured by the autonomous functioning of the springs in their composition, which operate almost silently. The models presented on the market are very popular
- “Manhattan Textile Brown” and “Princeton” from Divan.ru.
- “Monsoon” and “Benedict” from ANDERSSEN.
- “Sunrise” and “Sunset” by Aksona.
- “Phoenix” from Good-Mebel.
- “Austin” from Pinskdrev.
The independent movement of the springs in the blocks ensures that the original shape of the berth is maintained for a long time, which justifies the rather high cost of the sofas.
The best children's sofas for sleeping
Taking into account the fact that children grow quickly, sofa manufacturers offer inexpensive folding models with wooden frames and polyurethane foam filling. Roll-out folding mechanisms and products with compartments for linen are popular. Natural fillers and spring blocks contain the following models of sofas for children:
- “Lightning McQueen” by Divan Divaniya;
- “Nov-1” from Borovichi-Mebel;
- “Koti-Tinki” from Stil Fabrika.
There are many models of folding sofas on the market to suit every taste and budget.
Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. With all the variety of choices, the purchase of a sofa bed with an orthopedic mattress will justify the financial investment.
Features of children's orthopedic sofas
The shape and size of furniture for a children's room depends on the needs of the child. A children's orthopedic sofa saves space, so such furniture will look appropriate in a small room.
Advantages of an orthopedic sofa:
- Small dimensions (when assembled, the width does not exceed 100 cm).
- Can be used as a place for games.
- Reinforced folding mechanisms can withstand heavy loads.
- The simplicity of the design allows the child to independently assemble and disassemble the sofa, preparing a place to sleep.
- The wear resistance of the frame, upholstery materials and fillers allows the furniture to be used for several years.
- A huge selection of models, differing not only in the color of the upholstery, but also in the presence of decorative elements.
- The use of orthopedic technologies has a beneficial effect on health. The child feels rested, because a fairly elastic sleeping place will provide excellent conditions for healthy sleep.
Parents purchasing a children's sofa bed with an orthopedic mattress must take into account the parameters of the room in which the sleeping place is located. Manufacturers provide a warranty on the sofa and the included mattress. The service life directly depends on how often the furniture will be unfolded for sleeping.
Differences between orthopedic models and regular children's sofas:
- An orthopedic transformable mattress can relieve muscle fatigue.
- For a child with spinal diseases, you will have to individually select orthopedic furniture.
- Anatomical properties reduce the load on the spine.
- Orthopedic furniture has a high cost.
Furniture without orthopedic properties can be purchased as an additional piece of bedroom furniture, which will be used only as a seat. It is better to buy a sofa intended for daily sleep complete with an orthopedic mattress. It is also worth thinking about choosing a high-quality transformation mechanism.
