Tanning Bed Gas Springs vs Amazon Gas Springs: What Customers Need to Know

If you’ve ever searched for tanning bed gas springs on Amazon, you’ve probably seen automotive gas springs selling for a fraction of the price of the specialized shocks we offer at Sunal Parts. Many customers are shocked at the price difference—and many end up calling back after the Amazon springs fail.

So why does this happen?
Because a “250N” Amazon automotive gas spring is not the same as a 250N tanning bed gas spring, even though the Newton number looks identical.

Let’s break down why.

Why Automotive Gas Springs Look Similar—but Perform Very Differently

Automotive gas springs sold on Amazon are designed for one purpose:

✔️ To pop open and hold up the hood or hatchback of a car.

A car hood is either open or closed—there’s no slow, controlled motion required.

A tanning bed canopy, on the other hand, is a completely different mechanical system:

✔️ Much heavier
✔️ Hinged differently
✔️ Weight load changes through the closing stroke
✔️ Must not slam down onto the user’s head
✔️ Needs internal drag and friction to slow motion

This is where cheap Amazon gas springs fail.

Why a 250N Amazon Shock Is NOT the Same as a 250N Tanning Bed Shock

Customers assume “250N = 250N,” but that’s not how gas spring engineering works.

Several variables affect the actual performance of a gas spring:

1. Tube Diameter

A larger tube holds more gas volume and provides more stability under load.

2. Rod Diameter

A thicker rod prevents flexing and improves control during movement.

3. Internal Seal Packages

This is a major difference.
Tanning bed shocks use premium German seal packs engineered to create drag and regulate motion.

Cheap automotive springs use thin seals designed only to “pop and hold.”

4. Tube Length & Rod Length

These determine the leverage and speed of the stroke—critical in tanning beds where the canopy weight shifts dramatically as it closes.

5. Damping, Drag & Safety Control

Automotive springs are NOT designed to slow the lid during closing.
Tanning bed shocks must slow the canopy and prevent slamming.

Why Automotive Gas Springs Fail on Tanning Beds

Here is what usually happens when someone tries the Amazon route:

❌ The canopy drops too fast
❌ The bed slams shut
❌ The user risks injury
❌ The springs wear out quickly
❌ They don’t provide lift support through the full stroke
❌ They can’t handle the changing load as the canopy moves

This is why so many customers call back saying something like:

“The 250N Amazon shocks don’t lift the canopy the way your shocks do!”

Because the internal engineering is completely different.

What Makes Professional Tanning Bed Gas Springs Superior

The brands we sell—Bansbach, Hahn, and Stabilus—are German-engineered specifically for applications like tanning beds where controlled motion, safety, and reliability are essential.

Bansbach

Uses twin internal seal packages engineered to create controlled drag during both opening and closing.

Stabilus Hydrolift

Stabilus Hydrolift

Stabilus Hydrolift

Incorporates a mechanical spring inside the gas spring.
When the handle is pulled, the tension spring collapses and allows gas to flow through a precision-designed venturi to:

  • Slow the closing speed

  • Absorb shock

  • Maintain canopy balance through the stroke

This is why Stabilus is used by major tanning bed manufacturers.

Hahn

Produces high-pressure, high-durability springs designed specifically for large hinged structures like tanning beds, not automotive hoods.

Why Professional Tanning Bed Gas Springs Cost More

You’re not just paying for a gas spring—you’re paying for:

  • Correct tube and rod size

  • Precision damping control

  • Safety-rated internal components

  • German manufacturing quality

  • Long-term durability

  • Proper lift and slow-close performance

  • Compatibility with the exact tanning bed model

Most importantly:

They are engineered so a 200-pound tanning bed canopy doesn’t fall on your head.

There’s no comparison to a $19 Amazon car hood shock.

Final Takeaway

If you’re searching for tanning bed gas springs on Amazon, understand that:

Automotive gas springs = designed to pop open a lightweight hood.
Tanning bed gas springs = engineered for safety, balance, and controlled motion.

This is why so many customers return to us after trying the Amazon option.

Investing in the right shock isn’t just about performance—it’s about safety.

For the correct, professionally engineered shocks designed specifically for tanning beds, you can browse our full selection here:
Sunal Parts Tanning Bed Gas Springs & Shocks.