Practically in any modern sofa there is a mechanism that allows you to transform it from a seat to a full-fledged sleeping place. In small apartments, where the area of rooms sometimes does not exceed 15 square meters, a folding sofa is the solution to the problem of insufficient living space.
The most popular devices for transformation are Eurobook, Dolphin, Accordion and the Sedaflex mechanism. Reviews of the French folding bed (that's what the people call "Sedaflex") have mostly positive characteristics: users find this option the most suitable for small apartments, besides, it is easy to use and relatively inexpensive.
Description
The Sedaflex transformation mechanism appeared in the early 90s and immediately gained popularity. Previously, manufacturers of upholstered furniture used a roll-out mechanism that couldform up to 3 cm difference between the parts of the structure. There was no need to talk about comfortable sleep in such conditions.
The developers of this mechanism were 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 bed acquired a more stable and comfortable base in the form of a spring mattress, it was easily pulled out without requiring preliminary unfastening of the pillows - when the structure was unfolded, they were transformed into part of the bed or hidden in designated niches.
The structure of the mechanism is made of reinforced steel pipe with a diameter of 3 cm, and the sleeper is fixed with elastic straps.
Working principle: double folding mechanism that unfolds forward, perpendicular to the base. It is actuated manually, it is enough to pull a little up and towards you, unfolding the components of the bed. They rest on steel legs of increased stability.
Comparative characteristics
The American cot is often confused with the French one. The principle of operation of these mechanisms is really similar, but there are also 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, not three parts.
Since the number of joints directly affects the level of comfort, it is safe to say that sleeping on a two-piece "American"it will be much more convenient than on a three-piece "Frenchwoman".
Another significant difference is the size of the bed. 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 no more than 185 cm and a width of up to 145 cm are available. If we subtract the indentation for the placement of a pillow (about 50 cm) from the length parameter, then we can conclude that an adult male with an above-average height will dangle his legs, which is not especially convenient.
The Sedaflex mechanism is prepared for everyday transformations and high loads, and, therefore, is more acceptable for everyday sleep than a French folding bed.
However, he has a worthy competitor - the folding mechanism "Tornado". Despite the higher cost, it has a number of interesting advantages:
- maximum bed size 190160 cm;
- the thickness of the filling above the spring block is 1 cm more, which significantly increases the comfort level of the bed;
- solid, arched legs provide a higher level of stability;
- the mechanism is attached to a steel frame, which avoids loosening of the mechanism after some time of operation.
Benefits
Among the main advantages that distinguish the Sedaflex mechanism from others, we can mention the following:
- when folded, the design takes up little space, which is important forsmall 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 transformation of the sofa can be carried out even in the middle of the night;
- the maximum size of a bed in terms of dimensions and weight is calculated taking into account two adults (can withstand up to 200 kg and is convenient for growth up to 190 cm);
- in the process of transformation, the mechanism does not harm the flooring.
Flaws
When choosing a folding sofa, you should pay special attention to the quality of the material used and the strength of the attachment, as a cheap fake can be hidden under the mask of a convenient and practical product. The mechanism of the Sedaflex sofa deserves special attention. Consumer reviews about this mechanism also 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 wears out over time and the mechanism becomes unstable.
The steel frame of the mechanism must be attached to the wooden base. Some manufacturers use soft rocks, and during operation, the bolts loosen and fall out of the socket.
Separateattention should be paid to the mattress, which is a direct indicator of the level of comfort. What springs are used? Is the spring layer thick enough or will you feel their coils in every part of your body? What material is used for the inner lining and upholstery? A low-quality mattress quickly loses its shape and rubs along the fold lines. After 5-6 years it becomes impossible to sleep on it.
