A detailed guide to Dolphin mechanisms in sofas

What is a dolphin?

The dolphin type mechanism got its name because the unfolding process is similar to the diving of this marine mammal.

“Dolphin” refers to roll-out mechanisms. In this design, the second half of the “mattress” is located under the seat. And when it needs to be unfolded, the drawer moves forward, the lower section rises to the level of the upper one.

The photo shows an example of what the unfolded mechanism looks like

Pros and cons of the mechanism

The main advantages of the dolphin mechanism:

• Compact. Thanks to the sliding platform, it does not take up much space, usually narrower than books or Eurobooks.

Important! Unlike book transformation mechanisms, the dolphin moves close to the wall.

• Durable. The reliable transformation mechanism is suitable even for everyday sleep.
• Comfortable. The sleeping area on straight, corner models is even.

Important! An even sleeping space can only be guaranteed on high-quality models: otherwise, the mechanism will wear out, one of the parts will sag.

• Easy to use. It does not take much effort to disassemble the sofa.

Sofas with a dolphin system come in different sizes: from a two-seater straight one to a spacious corner one. Therefore, it will not be difficult to find a suitable model in shape and dimensions among the offers of upholstered furniture.

Dolphin mechanisms in sofas have disadvantages:

• High load on the floor covering. The platform moves out on wheels, which can damage the floor with constant use.

Important! Unfolding a sofa standing on a carpet can cause difficulties: it is difficult for the wheels to move on soft pile.

• Lack of a drawer for linen. In straight models, there are no storage drawers at all or there are small ones in the armrests. Corner sofas are often equipped with boxes in the ottoman or corner module.

A controversial characteristic is the seat height. Due to the peculiarities of the transformation mechanism itself, under the main seat there is not a linen box, as in many other models, but a second part of the sleeping area. Therefore, you will not be able to order the seat height at your own discretion: the sofa will be higher than the standard one way or another.

On the one hand, a high seat is convenient for people of average and tall height. But the appearance of the sofa will not suit every interior style. If you are short or the design you have chosen involves a low seat, take a closer look at other mechanism options.

How does it unfold?

The main question you should answer before buying: how does the dolphin sofa unfold. It is best to visit a furniture store, ask a consultant to show you how it works using an example, try to unfold it yourself.

The most important thing is to understand the principle of disassembly, unfold and fold the sofa a couple of times before buying, if you are going to use it for daily sleep. You must be sure that you can perform this ritual every evening, morning.

Step-by-step instructions

To understand how to disassemble the dolphin sofa, repeat each step.

Unfolding

1. Grab the bottom bar of the folding part, pull it towards you: the platform with half of the mattress will come out of the frame. Make sure to roll it out completely.
2. Take the handle, pull the soft part up. Then gently pull forward, lower: the springs will lock in the upper position.

Important! If the linen drawer in your corner model is roll-out and its path intersects with the sofa layout, do not forget to take out the bed linen before starting the transformation.

Assembly

In essence, the process of returning any sofa transformation mechanism to its original form is the reverse sequence of actions during disassembly. But just in case, we will duplicate each action.

1. Take the handle, pull the front of the soft part up a little, while pushing it away from you and down. When the seat lies back on the roll-out platform, release the handle.
2. Push the assembled platform back under the seat, pushing away from you in two places so that there are no distortions when moving in.

Important! Make sure that the soft handle remains outside, otherwise it will be difficult to lift the soft part from the platform to disassemble the sofa next time.

Video

To see what the dolphin sofa looks like, a photo is enough. But to understand its features, watch the assembly and disassembly process, it is better to watch the video. See the option of laying out a corner model with an ottoman:

Recommendations for choosing

The main thing that determines the service life of the dolphin sofa is the frame. Some manufacturers, in order to save money and reduce the cost of the product, use thin steel, which will quickly fail from daily use. If the frame is solid, all the design elements are factory-made, you can be sure: the sofa will serve for many years without complaints.

Important! The dolphin is one of the most reliable transformation options, suitable for every day. But provided there is a reliable frame.

Another important nuance is the filling. All sofas are divided into two types:

• Spring. The right solution for everyday sleep, 100% replacing an orthopedic mattress. There are dependent and independent spring blocks. The first, like Bonnell, is cheap, low-quality. The second has a wide range in prices: more comfortable, durable.
• Springless. In this case, the entire interior space is occupied by polyurethane foam and other layers, such as coconut coir, memory foam, felt, and synthetic padding. Polyurethane foam can compete with springs and is also great for sleeping, but it can become crushed over time due to constant pressure.

Many buyers put the outer shell first, rather than the internal components. Of course, the appearance of upholstered furniture is also important. First, decide on the upholstery fabric:

1. Rogozhka. Textured fabric, almost entirely made of natural fibers. Rogozhka is inexpensive, has a wide range of colors, but is rarely painted in bright colors. Neutral light, dark, or pastel shades are mostly found. The surface is prone to snagging, so the fabric is not suitable for families with pets.
2. Velor. Soft fabric with a pleasant pile. The color range depends on the manufacturer, the specific line, but usually it is not difficult to find a suitable shade. Almost not subject to snags, but pet hair will accumulate on the surface: especially if the sofa is dark.
3. Chenille. Durable fabric with a small pile. More durable, reliable than matting or velor. But at the same time more expensive. The surface does not stretch, does not fade, does not wrinkle – the product will retain its original appearance for a long time.
4. Leather. Natural or artificial has both advantages and disadvantages. Pros: leather furniture is durable, easy to care for. Cons include relative discomfort in the heat: you will sweat, stick to the sofa. In addition, sleeping on a leather surface is extremely uncomfortable.

There is also jacquard, flock, tapestry, velvet, suede, and other options for furniture fabrics. For more information about their properties, ask a consultant at the store you choose.

Important! Give preference to fabrics with Easy Clean impregnation if: the sofa will be in a studio between the kitchen and the living room, there are small children and animals in the house, you need the lightest possible upholstery.

The last important point: shape. Straight ones do not take up much space, suitable for small apartments or rooms. Corner ones are more massive, but more convenient: firstly, they are equipped with a drawer for linen, secondly, they provide more seats. The corner sofa can be equipped with regular armchairs with a backrest or an ottoman with an armrest on the side.

The dolphin mechanism is a practical option for everyday sleep. The main thing is not to forget to check the reliability of the design: excessive savings can cause rapid wear of the mechanism.