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Review of folding beds: - how to choose? — what details should I pay attention to?
You can argue, but most likely you imagine a folding phone as something from the Soviet past:
- flimsy aluminum frame,
- a canvas canvas attached by rusting springs,
- difficult to set headrest height
- and squeaking with any movement at night...
WHAT IS A FOLDING BOARD?
To begin with, let’s define that “folding beds” are now called not at all “folding beds”, which were previously used in the army or in emergency situations. But slight confusion still arises: is it a “ folding bed ” or a “ folding bed ”?
Here is our definition of a clamshell (from the TechMos online store):
- A folding bed is: - a mobile folding bed, - compact, when folded it fits in the trunk of a car, - easy to transport in a car, - and on which it is not recommended to walk with your feet so as not to break it.
In any case, we have not yet found those folding beds that would normally bear the weight of adults standing on them, without catastrophic consequences for their design.
The exception is the tourist folding bed “Bear”. But more about it below.
Folding beds for periodic sleep
Folding beds from this category are less comfortable than the models described above. But they also cost less. Such folding upholstered furniture will be useful for temporary sleep while another room is being renovated, the mother-in-law has arrived, and guests have stayed up late. They also take them with them in the car when camping so that they can lie with more comfort than on an air mattress.
Yaroslavl plant of camping furniture KTR-1LP
Rating: 4.6
This model is specially designed for camping. The folding bed weighs 15.7 kg, which makes it easy to load it into the trunk for transportation to a rest stop. The frame is made of low-carbon steel and can support a person’s weight up to 120 kg. The polymer coating reliably protects the metal from rust, so the folding bed is perfect for outdoor use. A cotton mattress is included in the package. The place for sleeping at night has dimensions of 190x70x35 cm and is suitable for people of average height. Buyers in reviews note ease of storage and movement, as well as durable construction. The folding mechanism is safe and cannot be injured.
Among inexpensive folding beds with simple designs, this one stands out for its comfortable sleeping space. She has a mattress with a height of 50 mm and 6 slats on each half, ensuring a comfortable body position while sleeping. It will give you a great night's sleep in a tent.
Advantages
- affordable price
- there is a cotton wool mattress with a height of 50 mm;
- width 700 mm is comfortable for camping furniture;
- safe folding mechanism.
Flaws
- The filler gradually collapses.
Olsa Stefania (s85a)
Rating: 4.3
The folding bed has a rectangular steel frame and an awning stretched around the perimeter with springs. The headrest is adjustable in height, like a chaise lounge. It is comfortable to sleep on, read or just watch nature in a reclining position. The model folds into three sections, which is much more compact than all the analogues described above. The sleeping bed has a size of 192x65 cm. But the seat is located low from the floor (240 mm), so you have to make an effort when getting up.
We liked the product due to its weight. The folding bed for sleeping is one of the lightest - its weight is 5 kg. This not only simplifies transportation, but allows it to be unfolded even for a child or a very old person.
Reviews also praise the clamshell for its lightness, compactness and low cost. If you use the device on a campsite, it is not difficult to wash the awning afterwards, since it does not allow water to pass through.
Advantages
- reliable protection of metal from corrosion;
- a person's weight is allowed up to 120 kg;
- compact dimensions for transportation;
- affordable price.
Flaws
- It’s inconvenient to get up from a height of 240 mm - you have to bend your knees strongly and push off with your hands;
- if used frequently, the springs will quickly fly off;
- The mattress must be purchased separately.
And, of course, folding beds with slats:
Yes, these are those orthopedic cots that, by definition, are designed to keep your back straight, relieve fatigue during sleep, and leave you with the feeling that you are sleeping on a regular bed.
Lamels, or as they are also called “lats”, are bent wooden plates that bend and absorb the weight of the person lying down. Usually budget slats are birch.
Bent-glued bed slats on the bed frame are inserted into special fasteners - “pockets”, in which they can bend slightly under the weight of the person lying.
Which folding bed is better for sleeping?
After getting to know the leaders of 2021 and the criteria for choosing them, all that remains is to make the final decision and buy the appropriate option. Couldn't decide? In this case, we suggest viewing several nominations from Vyborexperta.ru:
- Olsa Stefania is a convenient, compact model for a tent, going out into nature, to the country;
- Medvedev and Co. Economy-M300 - a budget offer for tourists, equipped with a comfortable mattress;
- Dametex Eleonora-M - sufficient width, length, load capacity to accommodate two people;
- The basis of Sleep is an orthopedic folding sofa with excellent ventilation;
- Owl M - orthopedic children's model, better support for the spine, compact, light weight.
A folding bed is a versatile furniture alternative. Thanks to it, you can quickly and easily organize a sleeping area in any room, outside the home. You just need to choose the right design to suit your needs. Our rating is a great way to narrow your search, avoiding mistakes and purchasing errors.
TYPES OF FOLDING BEDS: BY PURPOSE
City/country cots
We include all budget folding beds with springs, tension beds and slats with a mattress as city/country beds All of them:
- perfectly under the bed and in the closet
- will help out when guests arrive
- can be easily loaded into the trunk and taken to the dacha
And then which ones will remain? Tourist! These are so different folding phones that it’s worth talking about them in more detail.
Tourist or “hiking cots”
Of course, it’s rare that any hiking fan will carry 5-6 kg of excess weight, and that’s exactly what camping cots weigh. But fishermen, hunters and just those who like to go “out of town for the weekend” will fully appreciate such folding beds .
They are often called “cots for fisherman” and, of course, with good reason: fishermen, like hunters, are the most equipped tourists - tackle, equipment, supplies and, of course, a sleeping place.
A camping cot is foldable and fits into a small case, which is easier to compare in size to a gun or tent case. Easy to disassemble and install. In most cases it's simple:
- took it out
- straightened the support legs
- ready!
There are models with additional “stiffening ribs” - separately threaded bars on both sides of the folding bed. This allows you to increase the maximum load. On average this is up to 180 kg. But, for example, in the “Bear” clamshell model it is 400 kg .
It's a lot! So much so that such a folding bed can be safely used as a bench at a “tourist table” or placed on it by the fullest participant in your hike.
The frame material of travel cots is usually aircraft - “aircraft aluminum” - a durable aluminum alloy. More durable than plain aluminum. And the wall thickness of the aluminum frame reaches 1.5 mm.
An example of travel cots from the TechMos.RU range:
Folding bed Camping World Forest bed Standart CL-B-001
Maximum load 180 kg, tourist, cover
7 260
Camping World Forest bed Big art. CL-B-003
Load – up to 200 kg Weight – 7.7 kg, case for storage and transportation
Product sold out
Folding bed Bear 190 tourist
record holder for maximum load - up to 400 kg. Weight 6.3 kg.
4 300
Folding bed Bear 180
record holder for maximum load - up to 400 kg. Weight 6.3 kg. Length - 180 cm.
4 200
Camping World Giant CL-B-004
Load - up to 200 kg. Sleeping area size: 205x95 cm. Carrying case included.
Product sold out
Folding bed Green Glade M6185
Max user weight: 100 kg. Weight: 7.8 kg.
Product sold out
Children's cots
There are two cases when you need to buy a children's cot:
- to kindergarten for “quiet hour”
- or there is simply no room for the dimensions of a regular folding bed for adults.
After all, children's folding beds are no different from their “colleagues” - folding beds for adults, except:
- size (150-160 cm long),
- height (25-30 cm)
- and maximum weight (on average - up to 60 kg).
In any other case: in order for your child’s friends at home to have an “alternate airfield”, it is enough to buy any of the city/country cots with a mattress , which we recommend that you do.
IMPORTANT: a very important detail that you pay attention to only after purchase - THE HEIGHT OF THE FOLDING BED. The recommended and generally accepted height from the floor to the top border of the bed (mattress) or folding bed is 45-50 cm. For a child’s room – 25 cm. This allows people with a bad back or simply the elderly to sit down and rise comfortably. And just sit on the folding bed, like on a chair or bed, “dangling your legs.”
Types and design of clamshell bases - which one is better to choose
Before you decide which cot is better, you need to look at how the base of the bed is designed. Let's look at the types of folding beds based on the type of base:
- in the classic model, dense and fairly wear-resistant fabric is stretched around the entire perimeter with springs.
Pros: the lightest clamshell, lowest price, comfortable and reliable design.
Cons: with frequent use it can stretch out and sag, there is no mattress (if there is one, it cannot be removed), not very comfortable sleep for the back.
This base can withstand up to 100 kg.
There are folding beds of this type with a stretched canvas without springs.
- armored mesh is a metal weave that is attached to the frame with galvanized springs around the perimeter.
Pros: light weight, average cost, comfortable, practical, durable, bends a little under a person’s weight, but does not stretch.
Withstands loads up to 150 kg.
- Spring snake - bent metal rods that are attached by springs to the short side of the folding bed.
Pros: low price, reliable and high-quality base, light weight.
Cons: it flexes more than armored mesh, which can lead to rapid stretching.
Approximate load weight is about 100-120 kg.
- A folding bed with slats has a metal frame and wooden (birch) plates that are attached to the structure. The thickness of the lamellas starts from 8 mm, but for strength it is better to take 12 mm.
Pros: can withstand a lot of weight, has an orthopedic base, does not harm the back, maintains the necessary heat and moisture.
Withstands weight up to 250 kg.
The size of a folding bed ranges from the very minimum dimensions to 2 m. You can choose the length individually to suit your height, but the most comfortable width for sleeping starts from 80 cm. If you want a really comfortable sleeping bed, then you can choose a double folding bed. It reaches a width of 100-120 cm. A good design should have a height of at least 40 cm. It should be comfortable for you to get up from such a bed and lie on it.
MATTRESSES FOR FOLDING BOODS: MATERIAL
Fillings for folding bed mattresses are now standard and usually of only 2 types:
Holcon
modern durable synthetic hypoallergenic non-flammable filler made of spiral polyester fibers.
Holcon properties:
- has no smell
- does not absorb moisture and allows air to pass through perfectly
- non-flammable
- good “springiness”, i.e. quickly returns to its original state
- hypoallergenic properties - without toxic elements (no glue, volatile toxic substances, etc.)
- heat saving is greater than that of other analogues of the same thickness and density
- long service life
- withstands dry and wet processing up to 95°C
Regenerated fiber
Regenerated fiber (RF) is essentially recycled materials from sewing, cotton or wool production. This filler can be: - cotton, - half-wool, - combined, - or synthetic.
RV is cheaper than Holcon. But it requires better self-care . Remember ordinary mattresses, for example, in a pioneer camp; many of them are still in use today. To avoid any residual odor from use, such mattresses require more regular cleaning, ventilation and drying.
Rating of folding beds for sleeping
When selecting nominees, we took into account design features, service life specified by the manufacturer, and functionality. Then these parameters were compared with the price. Priority was given to those products where the costs are fully justified by the quality.
When ranking positions, we compared:
- Frame features;
- Base type;
- Functionality;
- Presence/absence of a mattress;
- Filler;
- Dimensions;
- Permissible load;
- Mobility;
- Promised service life;
- Ease of use.
The result of comparative analysis and careful selection was a top list of 8 positions. These are 3 budget products, 3 models that come with a mattress, as well as 2 best offers for children. Customer reviews helped weed out products of questionable quality and identified the pros and cons of the nominees.
OPTIONS FOR PARTS AND CONFIGURATIONS FOR FOLDING BOODS
— with/without mattress
Without a mattress in a stretch folding bed - space saving, with a mattress - additional convenience and there is no need to look for an additional mattress. In folding beds with slats, you can’t do without a mattress, of course . And it is most often included.
— with a thin mattress/with a thick mattress
The standard height of a mattress for a folding bed is 5 and 10 cm. It’s up to you to decide which is softer and more comfortable! But even one centimeter (this happens on folding beds ) is often quite enough for a comfortable sleep.
- with and without wheels
Wheels will be especially convenient for models with a shelf (with a headrest that turns into a shelf). It is more convenient to move around the apartment if necessary.
- with mattress supports
This element is optional for a folding bed, but its presence ensures that even a tossing sleeper will not slide off the mattress onto the floor in the middle of the night.
In some models (in folding beds with a shelf), this role is played by the “shelf” itself - the headrest.
For example,
Folding bed Leset 205
Permissible load, kg: 120, Mattress thickness, mm: 100
Product sold out
— frame material: aluminum, steel
Of course, steel for city/country cots and aircraft-grade aluminum for tourist ones. The steel of the furniture frame is often coated with polymer paint, which additionally protects it from corrosion. And aviation aluminum, more often used for travel folding beds, will reduce the weight of the transported folding bed.
That’s all our advice to the question “How to choose a folding bed?” We hope that we helped you make a choice, and you will be satisfied with your new sleep - sound sleep on a strong folding bed!
Folding bed frame
Before choosing a folding bed, you should pay attention to the frame. It consists of a small number of parts: legs, base, head parts and hinged connecting elements. The material from which the clamshell frame is made is steel or aircraft-grade aluminum. The second type is suitable for tourist and country cots. Thanks to him, they will be light, which will make it possible to take the sleeping place with you and transport it conveniently. Steel is used for a folding bed, which is intended for a house or apartment. The furniture frame is coated with a special polymer paint, which protects the parts from corrosion.
It will be quite easy to decompose such a structure. Almost all of them bend in half, so just one movement is enough for the sleeping place to unfold. The only thing is to count your strength. If it is an aluminum frame, then it can become deformed under strong pressure. Also look at how the legs of the folding bed are positioned to prevent them from folding under the load.
Modern designs have small metal backrests that prevent the mattress from falling off the folding bed. Also, some models are equipped with wheels, making it quick and easy to move the mini-bed around the room.
Since the designs of folding beds are completely different, the weight load on them will be different. From the chosen model, you can expect a weight of between 100 and 250 kg. It all depends on the thickness of the pipes themselves and the material from which the frame is made.
What was not included in this review:
- folding beds and their folding elements of any type : “French folding beds”
- "American folding bed systems"
- "Italian folding system"
These are already details of stationary folding beds! Yes, they fold up, but they are not mobile systems for organizing sleep in a hurry
- The same applies to a folding bed in a cabinet - this is a stationary solution for a sleeping place and not every car will fit such a folding bed into the trunk.
- Let's also ignore folding beds with straps - this is how the belt base system is often called in folding stationary beds, but not in mobile folding beds, which were described above.
Travel cots
It is impossible to ignore those who love tourism, fishing or hunting. Modern manufacturers offer them a wide range of different camp designs for sleeping. They differ in their structure from conventional clamshells, as well as their compactness. Their light weight of 5-6 kg, as well as mobility and ease of use are attracting increasing interest among consumers.
Frame
Depending on the model, the trundle bed may have a frame made of steel alloy or aluminum. The main advantage of this solution is increased load resistance.
The frame itself is made from tubes. The total diameter of the tubes is 25–27 millimeters, the thickness of the tube wall is 1.2 millimeters. This ensures sufficient strength of the product. Sometimes the legs are equipped with wheels.
To extend the service life, frame parts are necessarily coated with anti-corrosion paint. During operation, it makes sense to renew the protective layer of paint once every couple of years, especially if the orthopedic cot is used in the country.
Depending on the specific model, the permissible load can range from 150–250 kilograms. It turns out that even an obese person can sleep on such furniture, although it will not be entirely comfortable. However, the dimensions of the bed are quite limited.
A standard folding bed for an adult is 190 centimeters long and 70–80 centimeters wide. Such restrictions allow you to conveniently store folded furniture. For children, orthopedic cots with a mattress are made 145 cm long and 65 cm wide.
The height of the structure can vary between 20–40 centimeters.
Folding bed today
There are several types of folding beds.
Folding beds are no longer inferior to standard beds or sofas. Advanced technology ensures full functionality. There are also models that are superior to them in many ways. Let's look at the main advantages of folding beds:
- They don't take up much space. After sleep, you can put it in the pantry or closet.
- Borrowing thin plates in a compact form from classic sleepers.
- Loyal pricing policy. Folding beds with slats are sold at lower prices. It is especially profitable to buy models with armored mesh.
First, decide why you need a folding bed. The right type of folding bed will save money and also make your sleep comfortable.
Features and benefits of folding beds
It is quite difficult to notice a folding bed in the interior. Especially in the folded position. Such furniture takes up little space, which makes it possible to store and transport it with virtually no restrictions. Let us list the main advantages of such a sleeping place.
- Compactness. And we’re not just talking about storage, where a folded bed can fit behind a closet. Even when fully unfolded, the sleeping place does not require a large area to accommodate.
- Low cost. If we compare prices with similar solutions, the folding phone definitely wins.
- Light weight. Most models are lightweight and even a child can handle them. Sometimes there are modifications that have wheels for transportation.
- Easy to transport. There are no difficulties in transporting the bed to the dacha or on vacation in the forest. It takes up very little space in the car.
- Almost completely replaces a full bed. For the most part, the characteristics of a folding bed are not inferior to stationary furniture.
- High strength. The use of modern materials has significantly increased the strength characteristics of furniture.
- Folding beds last a long time.
Before going to the store, it makes sense to find out what kind of folding beds there are according to their purpose. Let's look at the main types.
- Country houses (urban). These are inexpensive products intended for home use. They can be spring, tension or orthopedic. They have a simple design that allows you to quickly unfold and conveniently store furniture.
- Tourist. The main difference from the previous type is light weight. It unfolds as simply as possible so that you can prepare a sleeping place in literally a matter of minutes. They have a considerable margin of safety.
- Children's. From a technical point of view, they are similar to adults, the only difference is their smaller size.
Criterias of choice
To choose a high-quality, easy-to-use sleeping structure that will serve its owner for a long time, you should remember a few expert tips.
- Firstly, to use folding beds at home or for other needs (arriving guests or going on vacation by car), it is recommended to purchase a device with a steel frame coated with a special coating that protects metal parts from corrosion. For hiking and tourism purposes, preference should be given to a frame made of aircraft-grade aluminum.
- Secondly, the optimal height from the level of the structure to the floor should be at least 45-50 cm for adults and at least 25 cm for children. This makes it possible to use such a product for people with sore legs or back problems. This height is similar to a chair, which ensures comfortable use of the folding bed. This level of location of the base of the device is not relevant for hiking options. Due to their purpose, their height may vary.
Also, when choosing mattresses included in a set or purchased separately, it is recommended to pay attention to their composition. All models presented by manufacturers use two types of filler: cholcon and regenerated fiber. What are they?
Holcon
It consists of polyester spiral fibers. This filler:
- not flammable;
- without smell;
- does not cause allergic reactions;
- has good air permeability, thermal conductivity, durability, but at the same time has low hygroscopicity (does not absorb moisture);
- mattresses can be dry and wet cleaned. The maximum processing temperature is 95°C.
Regenerated fiber
This filler is the remains of sewing production. They can be either natural or synthetic. Namely:
- cotton,
- woolen,
- mixed,
- artificial.
Many consumers already have an idea about mattresses with such filling. They have existed in their daily lives for several decades. Due to the low cost of raw materials, the product itself is also low in cost and requires more frequent and thorough cleaning. It must be regularly dried and ventilated.
