Which sofa mechanism is the most reliable - TOP 12

The transformation mechanism is a structural element of upholstered furniture that allows it to be given different positions. For example, use it for comfortable sleep or recline the backrest for comfortable rest. Some mechanisms turn corner sofas into straight ones and vice versa. When choosing a sofa that you will often use for sleeping, pay attention to its folding mechanism, and only then to the appearance and quality of the upholstery.

The transformation mechanism is an important design element

This element of folding upholstered furniture is its main part. The better quality it is, the greater the durability of the sofa. As practice shows, this unit is the most frequently failing one. Especially if you use it daily.

The choice of transformation mechanism is an important criterion for purchasing a sofa. After all, the ease of use of upholstered furniture and the occupied space in the room depend on it.

Book

The most popular transformation mechanism, which allows you to use two positions:

• Normal (sedentary);
• For sleeping (unfolded).

To unfold a sofa with such a mechanism, you need to recline the back. This must be taken into account when placing upholstered furniture in a room. Modern “books” have a durable design. They can be used every day. Such sofas can be equipped with additional elements. For example, sections for bed linen.

Advantages of the “book”:

• Reliable, time-tested design;
• You can test it for strength every day.

Disadvantages of the “book”:

• There are only two positions;
• Defects may appear at the installation site of the unit, interfering with a comfortable rest;
• You need to consider the space for reclining the backrest.

IMPORTANT: The “Book”, thanks to its simple mechanism, is well suited for daily use. But the more often you use them, the faster unevenness will appear on the sleeping area.

In essence, this is an improved “Book”. Sometimes this mechanism is called “Click-clack”. Its difference is the presence of a third, intermediate position. Using this mechanism, you can recline the backrest to a reclining position. This allows you to create a comfortable place to relax.

Advantages of "Tango":

• More backrest locking position;
• Small sizes;
• No deformation in places where the mechanism is installed.

Disadvantages of "Tango":

• You need to leave space between the wall and the back.

IMPORTANT: Tango mechanisms can withstand intense loads well. There are practically no deformations left at the bends. Relaxing on such unfolded sofas does not cause discomfort.

Folding mechanisms for transforming sofas

Transformation mechanisms “French folding bed” are 3 elements of a berth folded in a roll. The back is stationary. Before unfolding the sofa, remove the cushions from the seat. This mechanism causes the mattress to be thin.

“Spartak” is an analogue of the “French clamshell”, but is considered more reliable. The pillows are not removed from the seat before the bed is unfolded.

The Sedaflex sofa transformation mechanism is a system in which the folding part is located under the seat, consisting of individual pillows.

With Daunia mini, the sleeping place consists of a backrest and 2 sections of the seat, lying one on top of the other. Pillows are provided to hide the mattress.

Eurobook

The Eurobook folds out very simply. The seat, with the help of built-in rollers, moves forward, and the back fits into the space created by such a transformation. This allows you to create a flat plane.

Advantages of Eurobook:

• Ease of folding;
• Reliability of the mechanism due to the simplicity of the design;
• Possibility of creating a large space;
• The voids can be used to organize the storage of bed linen.

Disadvantages of the Eurobook:

• People with short stature will find it uncomfortable to sit on such upholstered furniture.

IMPORTANT: This design is highly reliable. Which allows you to use it quite often.

Advantages and disadvantages of a sofa with a swivel transformation mechanism

Sofas with a swivel mechanism are not inferior in popularity to models with other transformation mechanisms. Their main advantages are:

• ease of use - the sofa unfolds very easily and takes its original position, the roll-out mechanism does not require significant effort during transformation;
• reliability – the furniture is quite simple, it does not have intricate mechanisms or “bells and whistles”, due to this its service life is significantly increased;
• comfort of use - all parts of the sofa are the same in length, the number of seats is greater than that of standard corner sofas;
• orthopedic base – an orthopedic base can be installed in a sofa with a swivel mechanism, this will affect the cost of the product, but will increase the comfort of use;
• built-in drawers – there are storage systems inside the sofa, so you can do without additional cabinets and chests of drawers for storing bed linen and other bulky items.

A swivel sofa has many advantages.
What disadvantages can be identified:

• in most cases they are made to order; finding a ready-made sofa with a swivel mechanism is not easy;
• high cost – high-quality products made from reliable materials will cost an order of magnitude more.

A sofa with a swivel mechanism is quite expensive.

Pantograph

This mechanism can also have other names: “Walking Eurobook”, “Puma”, etc. The design of the “Pentograph” is similar to the design of the “Eurobook”. The difference is the absence of rollers in the withdrawable mechanism.

To unfold a sofa with this mechanism, you need to pull the seat up. This will activate the structure and move it forward. The final stage of the transformation will be lowering the seat. Which will be flush with the backrest.

Advantages of "Pantograph":

• Forms a comfortable large sleeping area;
• Ease of folding out the structure;
• Due to the absence of rollers, it does not damage the decorative coating.

Disadvantages of the Pantograph:

• The high cost of the mechanism, which is reflected in the high cost of the entire product;
• When folded, without additional pillows, it is not always comfortable.

IMPORTANT: Sofas of this design will help create a place to sleep for two people at once. When unfolded, such structures will not spoil the laminate or linoleum. Recommended for frequent use.

How to decompose?

Let us remind you that the Puma transformation model is very reliable and practical. Even externally, such a product looks quite compact, but only the corner models have a linen drawer. Unfolding the main part of the model may take no more than 3 seconds. The main effort is lifting the seat and pulling it towards you. Then you lower the mechanism down to the floor without worrying about scratching the floor. The assembly of the sofa occurs in exactly the same way, in a similar order, exactly the opposite.

Experts recommend that after laying out the model, use a low topper or a springless mattress, which smooths out all the unevenness of the product.

A sofa with a Puma transformation mechanism is the best solution for many people who are looking for a sofa that is ideal for any interior. Its price is not very high compared to many analogues, and its service life is quite impressive. But the main thing is that sleeping on such a sofa is more than comfortable.

A review of the “Audrey” sofa with the “Puma” mechanism awaits you further.

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French folding bed

It has three sections folded like an accordion. In order to transform it, the edge of the seat is pulled forward, which allows you to remove the remaining sections. After which they will open and stand on supports. Folding occurs in the reverse manner.

Advantages of the “French folding bed”:

• Ultra-compact size;

Disadvantages of the "French folding phone":

• Very weak transformation mechanism;
• When unfolded, it has irregularities that interfere with comfortable rest;
• There are no drawers for linen.

IMPORTANT: Due to the weak transformation mechanism, such a sofa cannot be laid out every day. It is used as a place to sleep and rest for late guests or relatives who have come to stay.

Types of Puma sofas and their features

Puma sofas are in great demand thanks to their well-thought-out folding system. This piece of furniture will organically fit into any interior. The range includes corner, straight and modular sofas. All models combine convenience and practicality.

Direct

They are compact and have a variety of designs. Furniture of this type saves space when folded, while it can be easily transformed into a full-fledged sleeping place.

Model "Gloria" from the Elegia factory

Corner

This option will fit perfectly into the interior of the living room or kitchen. It easily turns into a bed for sleeping and relaxing. This function is especially useful in cases where relatives come or guests come. Such models look best in spacious, bright rooms; they give the room additional coziness.

Modular

The main advantage of a modular sofa is its maximum mobility. This type of furniture is perfect for those who often rearrange the room. Modular designs allow you to create unique interior styles, embodying original design fantasies. The complex is suitable for such fashion trends as loft, contemporary, high-tech and others.

American folding bed

Other names for this mechanism are: Sadaflex (sometimes indicated in Russian transcription as Sedaflex). The operation of this system is identical to the mechanism described above. The section stretches forward and pulls others along with it. But unlike the “French clamshell”, the mechanism of the American “namesake” is more reliable.

Advantages of the “American folding bed”:

• The mechanism is made of wear-resistant materials;
• Easy to operate;
• Creating a perfectly flat surface.

Disadvantages of the American Folding Phone:

• There is no place to store linen.

IMPORTANT: A folding sofa with such a mechanism can be used for daily sleep. Thanks to the high-quality materials of both the upholstered furniture and the transformation unit, sofas of this design will be a good solution for organizing a sleeping area for a small apartment.

Principle of operation

To get a berth, the moving part must be moved at a right angle and secured with a special hook. After this, a perfectly flat surface without noticeable joints is formed; it is comfortable to sleep on such a sofa (especially if an orthopedic base is installed inside).

Unfolding the transforming sofa is quite simple.

During transformation, the wheels do not scratch the floor covering, so you don’t have to worry about its integrity and safety.

Accordion

The name of this mechanism speaks for itself. The principle of its operation is similar to playing the accordion. The sleeping place moves forward and a flat plane is formed. Very often, such upholstered furniture is equipped with an additional cabinet for storing blankets and pillows.

Advantages of "Accordion":

• The transformation system is highly reliable;
• The set includes drawers for organizing the storage of bedding;
• Easily unfolds and creates a place to relax.

Disadvantages of "Accordion":

• When unfolded, it may damage the floor covering.

IMPORTANT: A good solution for creating a daily place to rest and sleep. It has a simple but reliable design. But you need to take into account that if you unfold it frequently, your laminate, parquet or linoleum may suffer.

Design features and functionality

Swivel sofas are intended for daily use and are easy to use: one part moves to the other on rollers and a full-fledged double bed is formed. The appearance of the furniture is developed according to Italian drawings of similar models, but the functional features and long-term “survivability” are ensured by our design engineers specifically for the domestic customer. The problem of lack of space has also been solved - in the fixed part of the body there is a compartment for bedding and decorative pillows. When laid out, almost all models create a small coffee table.

Spartacus

Design from Italian industrial engineers who designed a reliable transformation mechanism. Its basis is a metal frame made of profile pipes. It consists of three elements. To recline, simply pull the seat forward. The Spartak design is complemented by a metal mesh that supports the polyurethane filler and creates an orthopedic effect.

Spartak's advantage:

• Reliability due to the absence of wooden and plastic elements;
• Easy to unfold and use;
• When unfolded, it provides space for two people.

Disadvantages of Spartak:

• Lack of space for storing bedding;
• The high cost of the mechanism and sofas in general.

IMPORTANT: Spartak sofas have the most reliable folding mechanisms. Even daily use will not cause problems with the durability of the structure. It is worth noting the orthopedic effect of such sofas.

Accordion transformation mechanism

The sofa accordion mechanism consists of three parts. It folds forward and resembles an accordion (which is how it earned its name). To transform it, just pull the seat forward, and all parts will straighten out like an accordion.

Accordion sofa transformation system, advantages and disadvantages:

An accordion sofa is quite suitable furniture for daily use. It does not need to be constantly moved, and the simple mechanism will simplify frequent transformations.

Foldable to the floor

Folding sofas have two sections. The edge of the seat is pulled up and then forward. The entire structure is laid on the floor. The place to sleep itself is not comfortable. But in a “sitting” position, such sofas are compact and comfortable.

Advantages of laying out on the floor:

• One of the cheapest designs;
• When assembled, the sofa is very compact.

Disadvantages of laying out on the floor:

• Provide minimal sleeping comfort;
• There is no storage compartment for bedding items.

IMPORTANT: Due to its inconvenience, it is not suitable for daily use. Can be used for force majeure situations, as a spare place to sleep.

Roll-out mechanism

A fairly simple but reliable mechanism. To unfold it, you need to pull the bottom part towards you. Then fold the back into the formed niche. The roll-out design is considered the most durable. Therefore, it is well suited for frequent use.

Advantages of a roll-out sofa:

• High reliability and durability of the design;
• The ability to create a comfortable place to sleep.

Disadvantages of a roll-out sofa:

• The rollers that ensure the seat moves out spoil the floor covering;

IMPORTANT: This mechanism is perfect for everyday use. The problem of damage to the floor covering can be solved by placing additional flooring while the structure is being rolled out.

Conrad

This mechanism is sometimes called "Telescom". The sections slide out one after another and stand on legs. "Conrad" can be called an improved roll-out mechanism. But unlike it, the sleeping place is at a comfortable level.

Advantages of "Conrad":

• Has a reliable and durable design;
• Equipped with space for storing accessories;
• Comfortable for relaxing and sleeping.

Disadvantages of Conrad:

• Has a lot of weight.

IMPORTANT: Conrad is a good solution for creating a sleeping area in a small room. But do not forget that when you purchase a sofa of this design, order home delivery. Without reliable dexterity and physical strength, you won’t be able to carry it yourself.

Dolphin

To unfold this mechanism, you need to pull out the lower section. And to “fill” the niche you need to lift the section from below using a special strap. After such actions, a flat surface will appear that can be used for sleeping. This design is mainly used in corner sofas.

Advantages of "Dolphin":

• You can create a comfortable place to relax;
• Very easy to use;
• They have a compartment for storing things.

Disadvantages of Dolphin:

• The mechanism has many weak points and quickly breaks down.

IMPORTANT: It is impossible to use this design every day. Even with rare use, Dolphin sofas fail after 7-10 years.

Elf

In order to unfold a sofa of this design, it is necessary to move the armrests to the sides. Elf sofas have a reliable metal frame construction. They form comfortable sleeping places and have the ability to set the “reclining” position.

Advantages of "Elf":

• When folded they are compact, but with their help you can create a large and comfortable place to sleep;
• They are equipped with wooden inserts under the sections, which provide an orthopedic effect.

Disadvantages of "Elf":

• It is necessary to create space between the wall and the sides of the sofa;
• Cannot be installed in the corner of a room.

IMPORTANT: “Elf” has a fairly reliable design. It can be used daily. But at the same time, a sofa with such a transformation mechanism must be installed correctly in the room.

Pros and cons of the Puma stepper mechanism in sofas

Among the main advantages, buyers note:

1. You don't need to move it away from the wall to unfold it.
2. Easy to unfold, suitable for people of any age.
3. Doesn't scratch the floor. You can lay any carpet in front of and under this sofa.
4. A flat and comfortable sleeping place that does not harm your posture and back health.
5. Withstands heavy loads and distributes them evenly, which increases the service life of the product.

Furniture with a Puma stepper mechanism has conquered the market due to its strength, functionality and long service life. Today, such furniture is equipped in various rooms from country houses to small city apartments.

conclusions

Choosing a sofa for daily transformation into a sleeping place is a very difficult task. Some manufacturers can create mechanisms that are reliable on paper from low-quality elements. Which will cause it to quickly fail. Pay attention to the manufacturer. Well-known brands in the furniture world monitor their reputation and will not risk it to save money.

When choosing transformable upholstered furniture, be sure to ask sales consultants what a folding unit is and what it is made of. And only after that make a purchasing decision. We hope our review will help you choose the sofa that will satisfy you in all respects.

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