Ottoman Bed Won't Stay Up? Here's Why (And How to Fix It)

An ottoman bed that won't stay up mid-lift, or slowly sinks back down, is almost always a strut problem — but a couple of other causes are worth ruling out first.

Cause 1: Worn gas struts (most common)

Gas struts lose internal pressure gradually over a few years of normal use. Once pressure drops below the weight it needs to support, the base will hold for a moment then start sinking. This is a wear-and-tear part, not a fault — replacement struts fix it in minutes. See our gas strut replacement guide.

Cause 2: Mismatched or uneven struts

If only one strut has been replaced previously, or the two sides have different ratings, the base can feel like it "won't stay up" evenly — one corner drops before the other. Always replace struts in pairs.

Cause 3: Mattress too heavy for the rating

Every strut pair is rated in Newtons (N) for a specific weight range. A mattress heavier than that rating will overpower the struts and the base won't hold. Check the rating printed on the strut and match a replacement to your mattress weight.

Cause 4: A support prop or catch has failed

Some ottoman frames use a secondary safety catch or prop rod alongside the gas struts. If this has broken or wasn't reset properly, the base can feel unstable even with good struts. Check for a manual catch before assuming the struts are at fault.

Is it safe to keep using?

A base that won't stay up reliably is a genuine safety risk — never work underneath it, and keep children away from the storage area until it's fixed. Struts are inexpensive; it's not worth the risk of a dropped lid.

Related reading

See our full gas strut replacement guide and common ottoman bed problems and solutions. Shop reliable ottoman storage beds with dual gas struts and a 5-year guarantee.