Ottoman Bed Gas Strut Sizes Explained: How to Choose the Right Length & Force (UK Guide)
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Ottoman storage beds rely on a pair of gas struts to lift the base smoothly and hold it open while you access the storage underneath. Order the wrong length or force rating and you'll end up with a base that won't stay up, slams shut, or simply won't fit the hinge points on your frame. This guide explains how ottoman bed gas struts are sized, what the force rating means, and how to measure your existing struts before you order a replacement.
How ottoman bed gas struts are measured
Two measurements matter:
- Length (eye-to-eye): measured from the centre of one mounting eye to the centre of the other, with the strut fully closed (compressed). This is the figure used in product titles, e.g. "360mm" or "535mm".
- Force rating (N): the amount of force the strut applies to lift the base. Too low and the base won't rise on its own or stay open; too high and it can fly open too fast or put unnecessary strain on the hinges.
Both struts in a pair should always be replaced together, and both should be identical in length and force — mismatched struts cause the base to lift unevenly and can twist the frame over time.
Typical force rating by bed size
Force requirements depend on the weight of the base and mattress each strut has to lift (as a rough guide — always check what your existing struts are rated at, since frame design varies between manufacturers):
- 600N: single and small double ottoman bases
- 700–800N: double and queen size bases
- 1000N: king and heavier queen bases
- 1200N: king and super king bases, or heavier reinforced frames
If you're not sure of the rating on your existing struts, it's usually printed on the strut body itself, or you can measure the base and mattress weight and compare to what the bed manufacturer specifies.
Gas strut only, or a full mechanism set?
Ottoman beds are built two different ways, so replacement parts come in two forms:
- Gas struts only: if your bed's hinges and mounting brackets are still in good condition, you only need to replace the struts themselves, using the existing eye-end fittings.
- Full lift mechanism set: if the hinges or brackets are worn, bent, or you're building/repairing a frame from scratch, a complete set (struts plus hinges) replaces the whole lifting mechanism in one go.
How to measure your existing struts before ordering
- Fully close the bed base and locate the gas struts either side.
- Measure from the centre of one mounting eye/pin to the centre of the other — this is your eye-to-eye length.
- Check the strut body for a force rating (usually printed in small text, e.g. "800N" or "80kg").
- Note the eye/fitting type — most ottoman beds use a simple pin-through-eye fitting, but check the eye diameter matches before ordering.
- If you're at all unsure, a clear photo of the strut alongside a tape measure is usually enough for us to confirm the right match — send one over before you order and we'll check it for you.
Why the right size matters
An undersized or underpowered strut will leave the base feeling heavy to lift and won't hold it open safely, which is both inconvenient and a safety risk if the base drops unexpectedly. An oversized strut can make the base fly open too fast or put excess strain on the hinges over time. Matching both length and force to your original struts (or to your bed manufacturer's specification) is the safest and most reliable approach.
All SpringFix UK gas struts are UK stock. Orders placed Monday to Sunday before 16:00 are dispatched the same day, via Royal Mail or Evri depending on the item. If you're not sure which size fits your bed, get in touch with your measurements or a photo and we'll help you find the right match before you buy.