According to the pictures of the brand, it can't be unfolded. It always stays "opened".

We pulled it out once with a lot of force and pushed it back in. After that it was very easy. :)

The storage part (iron rest) of the Laurastar Comfortboard Lips ironing board is permanently integrated and cannot be removed. It is specially designed to fit most steam generators and provides a safe and convenient place to rest the iron.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find this information anywhere at the manufacturer's or on the web in general. With a bit of luck, someone else will answer your question." See here https://cdn.competec.ch/documents2/1/8/1/51653181/51653181.pdf