Most ottoman bed problems come down to three things: gas struts fitted the wrong way up, a frame that was tightened before it was square, or a mattress that is too heavy for the mechanism. Nearly all of them are fixable at home in minutes.
Table of contents
- The bed won't stay open
- The platform is hard to lift
- It closes too fast or slams
- Squeaking and creaking
- The platform won't close flush
- Frequently asked questions
The bed won't stay open
Most likely cause: gas struts fitted upside down. Struts should normally sit cylinder-end up with the piston rod pointing down; inverted, they lose pressure and cannot hold the platform. Fix: lower the platform safely with help, check strut orientation against your instructions, and refit. If both struts are correct and it still drops, one may have failed — struts are a wear part and are covered under our 5-year warranty.
The platform is hard to lift
Most likely cause: mattress weight, stored load, or both. Gas struts are calibrated for a typical mattress; a very heavy one uses up the assistance before you add anything underneath. Fix: reduce stored weight, move heavy items to the hinge end, and consider a medium-weight mattress — see our mattress pairing guide and weight limits explained.
It closes too fast or slams
Most likely cause: weakening struts, or a load heavy enough to overcome their damping. Fix: lighten the load first. If an empty platform still drops fast, the struts have lost pressure and need replacing — never force or ride the platform down, and keep hands clear of the frame edges while testing.
Squeaking and creaking
Most likely cause: bolts that loosened as the frame settled, or a frame assembled slightly out of square. Fix: check every bolt after the first few weeks and retighten by hand — this single step resolves the large majority of squeaks. Persistent noise at one corner usually means the frame was tightened before it was squared during assembly; loosen, square using the diagonal measurement, and retighten.
The platform won't close flush
Most likely cause: stored items pressed against the perimeter, or bedding caught in the hinge line. Fix: keep a clear margin around the edges of the compartment and use soft-sided bags rather than rigid boxes.
Still not right?
Our frames carry a 5-year warranty covering the gas-lift mechanism. Send us your order number, a description and a couple of photos and we'll assess it, usually within 2 working days.
Contact Stylo Beds →Frequently asked questions
Why won't my ottoman bed stay up?
Usually gas struts fitted upside down; occasionally a failed strut. Check orientation first.
Can gas struts be replaced?
Yes — they are a serviceable part. Never dismantle or puncture one; they are under high pressure.
Why does my ottoman bed squeak?
Nearly always bolts loosening as the frame settles. Retighten by hand after the first few weeks.
Is it safe to store things under an ottoman bed?
Yes — within sensible weight limits and keeping the perimeter clear so the platform closes flush.
