Living in a small house or apartment can be extremely stressful, especially if you have a lot of objects in that room. There are a lot of ways to conserve the room space by turning some other pieces of furniture, such as a sofa into a great and comfy bed space. Some of those options are futon beds.
According to a study, mattresses and different types of bedding greatly affect our sleep quality. That’s why futon mattresses are a great investment when you’re limited in space.
Futon beds were frequently used in feudal Japan and even now in modern times. There are a lot of benefits connected to them alongside rich historical and cultural value. Now, centuries later, mattress manufacturers saw potential and inspiration in the traditional futons and re-designed them to be more comfortable and modern.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about futon mattresses and how you can use them instead of the traditional and expensive mattresses.
Futon Mattress: Overview
A futon mattress is a piece of furniture resembling traditional Japanese bedding. The modern futon mattress is a soft and comfortable reimagining of the Japanese bedding with extra features, more durable design, and extended comfort.
Unlike the floor Futon mattresses, they can be put on a great variety of furniture pieces, including different bed frames, but mainly sofa beds.
There are also sofa futon mattresses, an entire sofa bundle that will help you sleep easier and more comfortable while conserving the space.
Who Should Use Futon Mattress?- Students who are restricted in space and often move from apartment to apartment.
- Campers who can accommodate themselves with large tents or cabins for sleeping
- Travelers and digital nomads who move out often and like the comfort of their bed.
- People who regularly host guests, relatives, or friends that will stay overnight.
- People who want to save space.
Note: Another great option for the guest room you can also consider is inflatable mattresses.
Types of Futon Mattress
Traditional (Japanese) Futons
As mentioned above, the traditional futons are the old-fashioned mattresses made out of quilted cotton and other materials that are turned into pads. They’re placed on special Tatami mats for firmer support through the night. Throughout the day, they’re folded and stored away to save more space at home.
Shikibuton Mattress – This is the most popular futon mattress often made out of cotton. They are lightweight and comfortable, and more importantly, easy to roll up, fold and store away.
Editor Notes: In this article, we reviewed Organic Cotton Shikibuton mattress which we thought best represents the Shikibuton type. If you’re looking to enhance the traditional sleeping style and go all the way back to Feudal Japan, check out our review!
American Futons
American futons are inspired by Japanese futons and have a little firmer and sturdier construction. They’re thicker and made out of different materials starting from cotton and memory foam, to even boasting innerspring and latex.
There are different designs that we will look into throughout this article. It’s worth mentioning that there are also futon sets that come included with a frame made out of wood or metal. Often, there’s a whole futon sofa concept made out with a combination of wood and different metals.
Innerspring – Innerspring futon mattresses come with pocket coils that add up to its support and firmness, especially if you use a futon mattress as a sofa throughout the day. They make the mattress surface harder and more comfortable for sitting and laying.
Editor Notes: You will never see pure innerspring in the article. It usually comes as an innerspring option surrounded by memory home. That said, it’s rather a hybrid option, but not as sturdy as of original mattresses. Many of the futons in this article have this construction, including our top pick and runner up. Check them out!
Memory Foam – There are a lot of memory foam futon mattresses on the market with low- and high-density memory foam equipped with gel beads that make sleeping cooler. It is popular because it contours towards the sleeper’s body and cradles them to sleep.
Editor Notes: Alwyn Home futon mattress is filled with shredded memory foam with contouring touches. It’s a good investment for those who want to be cradled to sleep.
Latex – A lot of manufacturers use latex futon construction to make the bedding more durable, lightweight, and breathable. There are even traditional futon mattresses made out of latex.
Editor Notes: Coomfort Rest Natural Latex Futon Mattress is our pick of choice to represent the Latex futon mattresses. It’s breathable, safe and most importantly, it’s hypoallergenic even for people who are allergic to Latex. Don’t miss on checking it out!
Wool – Wool is often found in American futon mattresses and regularly combined with other materials such as latex.
Wool adds up to the comfort of the futon while other materials add up to its firmness and durability. It’s an amazing temperature regulator and is often seen as used in both traditional and sofa mattresses.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Benefits of Sleeping on a Futon Mattress
- Multipurpose – Depending on the type of futon mattress you take, you can easily use them as a daytime sofa as well as a place for night’s rest. You can accommodate guests, friends, and family, and if you choose the traditional floor futon, you can use it for camping and traveling.
- Flexibility – Futons are easily stored or folded away, regardless of whether you use them in the living room, bedroom, or for other purposes.
- Affordability – It’s more affordable to invest in a futon mattress or sofa, or spend $1000+ on a full-sized mattress.
- It saves space – As mentioned in the beginning, futon mattresses work great in households with small or no bedrooms, where there’s a lot of used space.
Drawbacks and Potential Risks of Futon Mattresses
- Lack of comfort – Even though they’re more affordable, it’s more difficult to find a comfortable futon mattress that can fully replace the comfort of a full mattress. They are comfortable but have a lack of support and firmness.
- Durability – Futon mattresses weren’t made to last long. Their warranties are significantly shorter than of the traditional mattresses and will begin wearing off and sagging over time.
- Temperature – Futon mattresses, especially those made of innerspring and memory foam have difficulties with temperature regulation and breathability. With that in mind, they’re more prone to keeping you hot at night.
- Motion Isolation – Some mattresses made out of springs may include some bounciness and motion isolation, but it can’t replace that of the original mattress.
- Maintenance – Maintenance and cleaning can be difficult in both traditional mattresses and American systems placed on frames.
5 Best Futon Mattress We Recommend
1. Best Overall: DHP 8-Inch Independently Encased Coil Futon Mattress
- Great value for the price
- It boasts comfortable and soft memory foam that is hypoallergenic and resistant to bacteria
- There are good motion and bounce isolation
- Waterproof construction
- Lightweight and easily foldable, while also comfortable with the vast majority of frames.
- 600lbs limit
- It boasts a hybrid-like construction, combining coils with memory foam.
DHP is one of the main market holders in terms of mattresses, futon mattresses, and futon sofas. This mattress boasts a rich construction. In its core, it’s the innerspring mattress with layers of memory foam and polyester. That allows for better contouring as you lay and also adds up to motion isolation. This option comes without a futon frame, but it will fit any full-size frame, as well as other types of frames.
When it comes to the comfort level, this is a plush-style mattress with sinking support for lightweight and moderate weight people. It will help you sink into the endless comfort and sleep conveniently. There are a 6-inch springs layer and two inches of pure foam. The foam undergoes strict regulatory processes and is safe against ozone depleters, mercury, and other heavy metals with low VOC emissions.
Drawbacks:
- There’s no frame support, it’s purchased separately
- Only 1-year warranty
2. Runner Up: Classic Brands Classic 8-Inch Futon Mattress
- Mid-range futon mattress ideal for school dorms, apartments, guests, and more.
- It’s portable and easy to store away.
- Compatible with a great variety of frames, including couch and box spring frames.
- Nice bounciness
- Firm construction and compatible even for heavier sleepers
- It boasts the American Style innerspring construction
When looking for a good runner up options, we wanted to consider the same features as our best product. Classic Brands lived up to our expectations with an 8-inch, innerspring futon mattress which is durable, firm, and bouncy. It has been made out of durable materials, microfiber polyester to be precise, which can put up with tensions and beating. It’s resistant to tear and will certainly last you a few years.
You can use it on a box spring, couch frames, or even floor. It folds easily and can be stored away until the next time you need it. It’s available in black and brown colors and its design will easily sit nicely with the rest of the room. You can easily maintain it but its cover isn’t removable and it supports only a cloth spot-on cleaning.
The innerspring coils create a firm feel on the mattress, suitable for both people who are lighter and heavier sleepers. It’s comfortable and offers support for your back. You will not sink while sleeping.
Drawbacks:
- There’s no clear warranty over product, lasting only a few months.
- Poor motion isolation which can be a deal-breaker if you sleep with someone.
3. Best Budget: Alwyn Home Fibre Futon Mattress
- Affordable and great value for the price.
- Comfortable and relaxing memory foam pads filled with shredded foam
- The cotton cover makes the bed a little cooler and helps regulate the temperature
- Good support for your back and neck and lightweight.
- It comes with a great selection of colors
- Hypoallergenic
- It comes with 6 and 8-inch thickness to satisfy different profiles with not too big of a price difference.
One of the most affordable options that still offer value for the price is Alwyn Home Fibre Futon Mattress, which consists of 2 Foam Pads filled with shredded foam. It’s covered with soft cotton which gives a soft sensation while laying but still providing medium firmness which is the perfect blend for sleeping. It may take a few days for the shredded foam to expand, but after that, you’ll sleep like on a cloud regardless of the frame you choose.
It provides support for your back and neck and is ideal for all sleeping positions. It’s lightweight and easy to store away and fold if you need to put it away. While it doesn’t come with a frame, you can easily put it on one.
Drawbacks:
- You have to pay a little more to get a 5-year warranty
- It still gets a little hot, despite the cotton cover
4. Best Latex Futon Mattress: Comfort Rest Natural Latex Mattress
- Organic Latex that is just like the type of futons we described above.
- This futon mattress is available in a great range of dimensions.
- It’s compatible with both regular beds and sofa frames.
- It also uses USDA cotton and wool to help with comfort and temperature regulation
- 2-inch core made out of pure, organic latex.
- 30 days money-back guarantee and 7 years of the limited warranty
- Hypoallergenic and safe for people allergic to latex.
Latex mattresses are some of the most popular mattress types, and the same goes for futon mattresses. Comfort Rest futon mattress is made out of organic latex, boasting all the necessary features for a comfortable and restful sleep. Latex is a breathable material, which means that Comfort Rest futon will allow you to sleep soundly and cool, with no exceptions made. What more, it is designed so that it will be comfortable on the floor, box spring, regular bed frames, and sofa frames with no questions asked.
It comes in a large selection of sizes, although the price varies from price to price. Aside from latex, the mattress is also filled with USDA-approved organic cotton and crimped wool for better temperature regulation. Even though it’s firm, it will easily bend and be stored away. Given that there are no synthetical materials, there is no uncomfortable odor or off-gassing. Moreover, the cover allows the mattress to be hypoallergenic and safe to sleep on, even for the people who are allergic to latex.
Drawbacks:
- It’s heavier than other latex mattresses
- More expensive than other options.
5. Best Shikibuton Mattress: Organic Cotton Shiki Futon Mattress
- The traditional Shikibuton mattress as mentioned in the buying guide and it is available in all sizes.
- It is easy to fold and doesn’t occupy too much space.
- Given its structure, it’s not suitable for frames, but it works great on Tatami mats
- It’s hypoallergenic and made out of GOTS-certified cotton, no wool or synthetic compounds.
- You can choose 3- or 5-inch thickness.
- 7 years warranty.
- It has a medium firmness, a perfect combination of softness and hardness.
Shikibuton mattresses are resemblant of traditional Japanese futons, and for some people who have strong back pain and need to sleep on the floor, this is a perfect option. This Shiki futon mattress is made out of organic cotton and comes in two versions. One is 3-inches thick, while the thicker one is 5-inches thick. Despite the cotton base, these mattresses are generally firm and can support the back well. Shikibuton mattresses are also favored by children who like sleeping on the floor.
This option is available in a lot of sizes, which makes it ideal for everyone, starting from children to adults. Nevertheless, instead of placing these mattresses in bed or sofas, these mattresses are placed on a Tatami mat on the floor. It’s made out of GOTS certified cotton and encased in a cotton cover too. It’s hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and bacteria. Generally, it’s comfortable and provides enough support for the back and neck, while the organic cotton, which is a breathable material keeps you cool at night.
Drawbacks:
- Although the company hosts frequent discounts, this Shiki futon is quite expensive.
Consider These Before Buying a Futon Mattress
Type
Is a mattress sofa system, a simple mattress you can put on your sofa, or a traditional Shiki mattress that you need? Do you expect guests often or travel frequently? Are you limited in terms of space? These are the questions you need to ask yourself when choosing the type that is most compatible with your needs and requirements.
Space
Each futon mattress is more or less better at saving space. If you don’t have a bedroom and need to sleep in the TV lounge, getting a futon sofa is the best idea for you. If you need space only occasionally, then traditional futon is the best for you.
Comfort
Comfort is often influenced by the type of mattress, its firmness but also the price. You need to ask yourself do you prefer to sleep on plush and soft mattresses or medium and medium firm. If you need more support in a mattress then innerspring and hybrid mattresses are the best. If you like the sinking sensation while laying, memory foam mattresses can be plushy and soft as you lay on them.
Frame Material
For people who want to buy both frame and futon, there are a few options to consider. The most popular options are metal, wood, and wood composite.
- Wood is durable, strong, and easily fits into the home ambient.
- Wood composite is a similar option for people who want to save extra cash
- The metal option has a good price, it’s lightweight and helps convert the sofa into bed rather fast.
Warranty
Some options come with a short-term warranty of a few months up to two years. Some options that have better materials and come with a frame are estimated to have a warranty from 3 years to 5 years. There are not a lot of options with sleep trial, but if they exist, they’re more worth than those that come without it.
Other Products We Also Consider
6. Best for Camping: MAXYOYO Black Moon and Star Futon Mattress
- Great variety of patterns available to pick.
- Lightweight at only 10lbs making it ideal for trips and camping.
- Memory foam and cotton combination.
- Available in Twin, Full, and Queen sizes.
- Dustproof cover
- 3-months return policy
MAXYOYO’s futon mattress comes in a great variety of textures and patterns, but the Black Moon and Star were our favorite. This floor mattress is ideal for children who play, occasional guests, and camping. It’s extremely easy to fold up, which makes it easy for traveling, especially camping. It boasts a 4-inch filling of memory foam and cotton. It’s only 10lbs so you can easily take it whenever you have to travel somewhere. Aside from the Twin dimensions, this Futon mattress also comes in Full size and Queen size for couples.
The mattress is easy to clean and has a dustproof cover which makes it ideal for camping. Also, there are straps and a storage bag that make it easier for storing and carrying.
Drawbacks:
- It may get too hot at times.
- No warranty after the return period.
7. Best for Back Pain: Serta Willow 8″ Futon Mattress
- It is available in Full and Queen size
- Compatible with couch frames and boxsprings.
- 8-inch foam and 2-inch cotton cover
- Comfortable, supportive, and balanced sleep surface
- It boasts gel memory foam which makes it cooler to sleep on.
- 5 years warranty
Serta is one of the most well-known mattresses’ names in the sleep industry, and the Willow futon mattress build doesn’t surprise us. It uses a 1-inch foam core surrounded by gel foam. The mattress is 8-inches thick and 10-inches thick with the cotton cover. It comes in gray color and offers optimal support for the back and neck. It has firm support so it should help with both general back pain and lower back pain.
Drawbacks:
- You may feel an unpleasant odor for a few days due to memory foam build.
- It’s not hypoallergenic.
8.Best Flippable: Mozaic Full Size 8-inch Cotton Twill Gel Memory Foam Futon Mattress
- Great variety of different colors and textures
- Gel memory foam that makes it cooler and breezier.
- It’s compatible with all frame types and easy to fold and store away.
- Cotton twill cover
Mozaic futon mattress is a comfortable and supportive gel memory foam futon mattress, compatible with a great variety of frames and sofas. It’s made out of high-quality memory foam that you can flip at either size for extended quality. Aside from that, it comes with a cotton twill cover, which is durable and adds up to the breathability of the mattress.
Drawbacks:
- Not completely hypoallergenic
- The warranty lasts only 90 days.
9. Best Cooling Futon Mattress: Divine Ice Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress
- Soy-based memory foam that keeps sleeping surface breezy at night.
- Compatible with different bed frames and sofas.
- Easy to fold and store away.
- Medium-firm construction, good for both heavier and lighter sleepers.
- Uses micro pocket springs that add up to firmness of the mattress.
This mattress will provide you with great sleep quality and divine rest thanks to its cooling, soy-based memory foam. It’s compatible with every type of bedding, and its construction makes it easy to use and bend away when you no longer need it. The memory foam conforms to your body shape making it more comfortable for your hips, back, and neck.
Drawbacks:
- It’s expensive
- Poor motion isolation.
10. Best for Heavy Sleepers: Harding Cold Foam Futon Mattress
- 10 and 12-inch thickness profiles for heavier sleepers
- The cold foam helps regulate bed temperatures
- Compatible with most of the frames and helps save space.
If you’re looking for a thick, comfortable, and versatile futon mattress option, this cool foam mattress is ideal for the heavier sleepers. Its cool foam makes sleeping more comfortable, while it’s compatible with most of the frames. It’s covered with cotton and supportive of your spine. It’s also reversible, so you can put it on either of the sides.
Drawbacks:
- Non-removable cover
- No warranty.
NOTE: People who are looking for a futon mattress need to understand that while some options may be more comfortable than the others, it won’t replace their in-home mattress as it consists of layers that flatter the body.
Real mattresses are more expensive, but note that we reviewed affordable options all across our website, to provide the most compelling and realistic offer for your bedroom. Check them out!
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