In almost any modern sofa there is a mechanism that allows you to transform it from a seat to a full sleeper. In small apartments, where the area of the rooms sometimes does not exceed 15 square meters, a folding sofa is the solution to the problem of insufficient living space.
The most popular adaptations for transformation are the Eurobook, Dolphin, Accordion and the Sedaflex mechanism. Reviews about the French cot (that's what the people call "Sedaflex") have mostly positive characteristics: users find this option most suitable for small apartments, moreover, it is convenient to use and relatively inexpensive.
Description
The Sedaflex transformation mechanism appeared in the early 90s and immediately gained popularity. Earlier, manufacturers of upholstered furniture used a roll-out mechanism, which could form up to 3 cm of the difference between parts of the structure. Talking about a comfortable sleep in such conditions was not necessary.
The developers of this mechanism was the Belgian company Sedac, whose name formed the basis for the name of the device.
The Sedaflex mechanism made a qualitative revolution in the furniture industry: the berth acquired a more stable and comfortable base in the form of a spring mattress, it was easily pulled out without the need for preliminary unfastening of the pillows - when folding the structure, they were transformed into part of the berth or hid in specially designated niches.
The design of the mechanism is made of reinforced steel pipe with a diameter of 3 cm, and the berth is fixed with elastic straps.
Principle of action: the mechanism of double addition, which is laid out forward, perpendicular to the base. It is manually actuated, just pull it up a little and towards yourself, unfolding the components of the berth. They rely on steel legs of high stability.
Comparative characteristics
The American clamshell is often confused with the French. The principle of operation of these mechanisms is really similar, but there are fundamental differences.
The Sedaflex transformation mechanism, as a rule, is equipped with a high-quality thick mattress (from 10 to 14 cm) and is decomposed into two rather than three parts.
Since the number of joints directly affects the level of comfort, it is safe to say that sleeping on a two-part “American” will be much more convenient than sleeping on a three-part “French”.
Another significant difference is the size of the berth. The Sedaflex mechanism is equipped with mattresses that are suitable for almost any height (height 195 cm), they can be used as a double bed (width up to 153 cm). For a French folding bed, a length of not more than 185 cm and a width of up to 145 cm are available. If you subtract the indentation for placing the pillow (about 50 cm) from the length parameter, we can conclude that an adult male will have legs hanging over average, which does not especially convenient.
The Sedaflex mechanism is prepared for everyday transformations and high loads, and, therefore, is more acceptable for everyday sleep than the French clamshell.
However, he has a worthy competitor - the folding Tornado mechanism. Despite the higher cost, it has a number of interesting advantages:
- the maximum size of a berth is 190 * 160 cm;
- the thickness of the filling above the spring block is more than 1 cm, which significantly increases the comfort level of the berth;
- the legs are solid, arched, provide a higher level of stability;
- the mechanism is attached to a steel frame, which avoids the mechanism becoming loose after some time of operation.
Benefits
Among the main advantages that distinguish the Sedaflex mechanism among others are the following:
- when folded, the structure occupies a small space, which is important for small-sized apartments;
- A simple transformation system that does not require special skills and physical strength - even a child can decompose the mechanism;
- the system unfolds almost silently, so that the sofa can be transformed even in the middle of the night;
- the maximum size of a berth in terms of size and weight is calculated taking into account two adults (can withstand up to 200 kg and is convenient for growth up to 190 cm);
- during the transformation process, the mechanism does not harm the floor covering.
disadvantages
When choosing a folding sofa, special attention should be paid to the quality of the material used and the strength of fastening, since a cheap fake can be hidden under the mask of a convenient and practical product. Particularly noteworthy is the Sedaflex sofa mechanism. Consumer reviews about this mechanism have a negative connotation. Why is this happening, because initially the transformation mechanism was developed taking into account the basic needs of consumers, and the inventor focused on comfort, mobility and durability.
First of all, this is due to the work of unscrupulous manufacturers and their desire to save on materials.
If the steel in the structure is thinner than the recommended standards, it will wear out over time and the mechanism will lose stability.
The steel frame of the mechanism should be attached to a wooden base. Some manufacturers use soft rocks, and during operation, the bolts loosen and fall out of the nest.
Special attention should be paid to the mattress, which is a direct indicator of the level of comfort. What springs are used? Is the thickness of the spring layer sufficient or will you feel their coils with every part of your body? What material is used for the inner lining and upholstery? A poor-quality mattress quickly loses its shape and is rubbed along the fold lines. After 5-6 years, it becomes impossible to sleep on it.