Do Gas Lift Beds Run Out Of Gas?

Do Gas Lift Beds Run Out of Gas? Here’s the Truth Behind the Mechanism

Gas-lift beds have grown immensely popular for their blend of style, space-saving functionality, and ease of use. Many people love how effortlessly the mattress rises to reveal generous hidden storage underneath. But if you’ve ever wondered “Do gas lift beds run out of gas?”, you’re far from alone.

Let’s break down how gas lift mechanisms actually work, what can go wrong, and how to keep your bed operating smoothly for years.

Understanding How Gas Lift Beds Work

A gas lift bed uses gas struts—similar to those in car tailgates, office chairs, and cabinet doors—to help raise and lower the mattress platform.

These struts contain:

  • Pressurized nitrogen gas

  • Oil for lubrication

  • A sealed cylinder

  • A piston rod

When you lift the platform, the gas inside the strut compresses and expands, providing controlled lifting support. The system is sealed tightly, and under normal conditions the gas does not escape.

So… Can Gas Lift Beds “Run Out of Gas”?

Technically: Not in normal use.

Gas struts are sealed units, meaning the gas inside is not consumed, used up, or released during operation. Under proper conditions, the gas does not leak out, and the struts should last many years without ever “running out.”

 

How Long Do Gas Lift Struts Typically Last?

Most quality gas struts such as from Selsdirect last 7–10 years with average use. High-end models can last even longer. Cheaper struts may lose effectiveness in 2–3 years.

Longevity depends on:

  • Mattress weight (heavier mattresses = more stress on struts)

  • Frequency of use

  • Quality of the struts

  • Proper installation

Can Gas Struts Be Replaced?

Absolutely—and this is good news.

You don’t need to replace the entire bed. Gas struts are designed to be replaced when they lose pressure.

Replacing them is:

  • Free at Selsdirect 

  • Easy to do with basic tools

  • Often quicker than assembling the bed was

Most bed manufacturers offer replacement struts, and universal alternatives are common.

Signs Your Gas Lift Bed Needs New Struts

Look for these symptoms:

  • The bed feels heavier or harder to lift

  • The platform doesn’t stay open

  • The struts make unusual noises

  • The bed slams shut rather than lowering smoothly

  • The lift mechanism looks oily (a sign of seal failure)

If you notice any of these, it’s time for replacement struts.

How to Make Gas Lift Struts Last Longer

Here are some easy tips to extend the life of your bed’s lift mechanism:

1. Choose the right mattress weight

Check the manufacturer’s recommended weight range. Overloading is the #1 cause of early strut failure.

2. Open and close gently

Avoid forcing the bed open or letting it drop shut.

3. Maintain even weight in storage

Uneven loads can strain the hinges and struts.

4. Keep the mechanism clean

Dust and debris can affect hinge movement, even if they don’t affect the sealed gas strut.

5. Use both hands when lifting

This prevents twisting, which can damage the struts or hinge frame.

Final Verdict: No, Gas Lift Beds Don’t “Run Out of Gas”—But the Struts Can Wear Out

Gas lift beds don’t run out of gas in the sense of emptying over time like a fuel tank. The sealed gas struts aren’t designed to lose their gas under normal conditions. But with age, heavy loads, or wear, the pressure can decrease enough to require replacement.

Fortunately, replacing gas struts is simple, inexpensive, and dramatically extends the life of your gas lift bed.

If your bed is becoming hard to lift, sinking unexpectedly, or simply showing its age, new struts will restore that smooth, easy-lift functionality you enjoyed when it was brand new.

Shop our range of gas lift beds https://selsdirect.com.au/collections/gas-lift-storage-bed-frames

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