How Do Ottoman Beds Work? Gas Lift Mechanism Explained

An ottoman bed's entire base is hinged at one end and supported by a pair of gas struts — the same technology used in car boots and office chairs. Here's exactly how it works.

The gas-lift mechanism

Each strut is a sealed cylinder containing pressurised gas and a piston rod. When you lift the mattress end, the gas pressure pushes the piston out, doing most of the lifting work for you — you're guiding the motion, not muscling the whole weight.

Why it holds itself open

The trapped gas pressure inside the strut resists compression, so once extended, the strut holds the base open at full height without you needing to prop it. Lowering the base compresses the gas gently, controlling the descent so it doesn't slam.

Why it stays down when closed

When closed, the mattress and sleeper weight sit above the strut's resting extension point, keeping the base seated flat. This is why matching the strut rating to your mattress weight matters — see our guide on strut ratings explained.

Side-lift vs end-lift mechanisms

The struts can be positioned to lift from the side (along the long edge) or the end (at the foot) of the bed, depending on the frame design and which suits your room layout best.

Why gas lift beats manual or drawer storage

Unlike drawers, which only use a fraction of the space under a bed, a gas-lift base opens the entire footprint. And unlike a manual prop system, gas struts hold position safely and controllably every time.

Related reading

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