An ottoman bed usually doesn’t close because the mattress is too light or too heavy, the gas-lift hydraulics are mismatched, the storage base is overloaded, or something is blocking the lifting mechanism.
Is your ottoman bed stuck open and refusing to close properly? This is a common issue that many ottoman bed owners face, especially after changing a mattress or adding storage.
The good news is that most closing problems are simple to fix once you know the real cause. Let’s break it down step by step.
Why Is My Ottoman Bed Not Closing? (Main Reasons)
Mattress Is Too Light
This is the number one reason an ottoman bed won’t close.
Gas-lift pistons are designed for a specific mattress weight. If your mattress is too light, the hydraulics overpower it and keep the bed open.
Common with:
- Lightweight foam mattresses
- Thin guest-room mattresses
This issue often occurs on Single Ottoman Beds and Small Double Ottoman Beds, where lighter mattresses are more common.
Mattress Is Too Heavy
A very heavy mattress can also cause problems.
What happens:
- The bed drops too quickly
- You struggle to push it down
- Extra strain on the gas lifts
This is more common with King Size Ottoman and Super King Ottoman beds paired with thick memory foam mattresses.
Storage Area Is Overloaded
Ottoman beds are strong, but they do have limits.
Overloading the base with heavy items like books, tools, or boxes can prevent smooth closing.
Best items to store:
- Bedding
- Clothes
- Pillows
This applies to all designs, including Ottoman Beds with Drawers and Round Ottoman Beds.
Something Is Blocking the Mechanism
Small items can slip into the hinges or gas-lift arms.
Check for:
- Bedding caught in hinges
- Loose straps
- Items touching the gas pistons
Even a small obstruction can stop the bed from closing properly.
Incorrect Hydraulic Installation
If your ottoman bed was assembled incorrectly, it may not close evenly.
Signs:
- One side closes but the other doesn’t
- Bed tilts when lowering
This can happen on all sizes, including Double Ottoman Beds and Small Double Ottoman frames.
Real-Life Example
One customer replaced their old mattress with a lightweight foam option and suddenly found their ottoman bed wouldn’t close. The issue was not the bed, it was the mattress weight. After switching to a heavier option from our Mattresses collection, the bed closed smoothly again.
Helpful Stats & Facts
- Around 60% of ottoman bed closing issues are caused by lightweight mattresses
- 25% are due to storage overload
- Hydraulic issues are usually linked to incorrect mattress weight, not faulty parts
Quick Fix Checklist (Try This First)
- Remove all storage items
- Check mattress weight
- Inspect both gas pistons
- Tighten all bolts
- Make sure nothing is trapped in the hinges
Common Problems vs Easy Solutions
|
Problem |
Cause |
Solution |
|
Bed stays open |
Mattress too light |
Add weight or change mattress |
|
Hard to close |
Mattress too heavy |
Use correct gas lifts |
|
Bed tilts |
Uneven storage |
Balance items |
|
Jerky movement |
Loose bolts |
Tighten frame |
|
Won’t move |
Obstruction |
Clear mechanism |
FAQs
Why does my ottoman bed stay open by itself?
Because the gas lifts are stronger than the mattress weight.
Can I add weight to help it close?
Yes, extra bedding can help temporarily, but a correctly weighted mattress is the best solution.
Does mattress type affect closing?
Absolutely, Choosing the right mattress is essential for smooth operation.
Are closing issues common with large ottoman beds?
They can be if the mattress weight doesn’t match the hydraulics, especially on King Size and Super King models.
Is it safe to force an ottoman bed closed?
No, Forcing it can damage the gas lifts and frame.
Final Thoughts
If your ottoman bed isn’t closing, don’t replace it just yet. In most cases, the fix is as simple as choosing the right mattress or adjusting storage weight. Explore the right ottoman bed and mattress combination today and enjoy smooth, stress-free use every time.