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Choosing The Best Futon Mattress For You
Whether you live in a small space or you just prefer to sleep on one, futons are a great choice of bedding, especially if you are very minimalistic. But, as I discovered as a teenager, the cheap mattresses that come with the frames when you buy them from the store, don’t last. I slept on mine for a year before it started to wear thin and become uncomfortable. Even worse, I had one of the cheap metal framed ones that bent with ease. Ideally, finding the best futon mattress for daily use is what you’ll want to do if the futon is your main sleeping surface.
Table Of Contents
Best Futon Mattress Comparisons
Brand | Details | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
Otis Haley 110 Futon Mattress |
| |
Mozaic 8” Dual Gel Memory Foam Futon Mattress |
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Leather 5000 Series Futon Mattress Vertical 8" |
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DHP 8” Independently-Encased Coil Premium Futon Mattress |
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Serta Cypress Duct Cotton Futon Mattress |
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History Of The Futon
The futon is a traditional Japanese bedding that originally was just a quilted mattress laid out on the floor. The word “futon” is actually used to refer to the mattress specifically, but since it has been used in other places other than Japan, it’s the term for the entire ensemble.
The concept of the futon in the Japanese culture was that the bedding set would be pliable enough to be folded and stored away when it wasn’t being used during the day, and easily taken out of storage for sleeping at night. Today, we see them being doubled as couches, just folding up at the center.
Western Futon
The Western futon was derived from the traditional Japanese futon with many differences. The western style beds are placed on a configurable wooden or metal frame, to be used as a bed or a sofa, even a chair. The frame folds in the middle to transform the bed into a sofa and flattens into a bed when needed.
The mattress itself is either filled with foam or batting, usually in several layers and is a lot thicker and bigger than the original Japanese concepts. You can get the frames in a variety of colors, shapes, with armrests, without armrests, and so on..
Choosing A Futon Mattress
Before you go out looking for a new mattress, it’s ideal that you know exactly what you need and want. There a few things that you can take into consideration when it comes time to make the purchase.
What Are You Using it For?
This is one of the main determining factors here. If you’re going to use it every day, you’ll want something that’s made with high quality materials and is coil-filled. If you only want to use it when company visits, then you’re probably okay with getting one that’s cotton filled. These are usually much cheaper than the coiled ones.
Aesthetics
If you’re anything like me, you care about how your furniture looks. If this describes you, then you’ll want to invest in something that won’t lose its shape over time. Solid foam mattresses will hold their shape for many years and they are better for being used as couches. Coil mattresses may be comfortable, but they do tend to lose their shape over time.
Thickness
Again, if you care about what your furniture looks like, pay close attention. Thinner mattresses look better on sleek frames, whereas the wooden frames look better with thicker mattresses. Here, you shouldn’t allow the color to affect your decision. You need to find one that is comfortable while being visually appealing.
Frame Size
The size of the frame is another consideration that you should make. Sure, that queen mattress is spacious and comfortable, but you’ll need the frame to match it. You need to make sure that the size of the frame isn’t going to completely take over the room, which would defeat the purpose of being minimalistic. The best thing to do is to take measurements before you go out and pick a size that may not work for the room.
Futon Mattress Types
Understanding what types of mattress you have to choose from will help you when it comes time to buy it. It’s important to know which ones have which features & benefits.
Innerspring
The innerspring mattresses are made with coiled springs. These are very durable, but they can also be quite heavy. These kinds also tend to lose their shape more quickly, as mentioned above. But, innerspring mattresses are well known for their supportive characteristics. The more firm the mattress, the more support if can offer for your back and spine, and innerspring beds are usually known for their firmness.
Foam
If the mattress is made from foam, whether synthetic or natural, it straightens and folds easier than an innerspring. It’s also a lot easier to find an eco-friendly foam mattress than an innerspring one. The only downfall to foam is that it could wear out quickly, depending on the quality of the materials.
Polyester
Polyester has the same feel as cotton, but at a less expensive cost. Manufacturers use polyester batting which is what is found inside of quilts and comforters. They do this so that you can feel like you’re sleeping on cotton but not paying as much as you would. These are not suitable for those who may have allergies or are easily affected by this material, like I am.
Wool
Wool is very similar to cotton, but it’s naturally insulating. It has air pockets that trap the heat to keep you warm. Wool is also dirt and odor resistant, making it much easier to keep fresh and clean, especially if it’s being used every day. If you are have allergies, wool may not be the best option for you since it does seem to set off reactions to those sensitive to the material.
Combination
Why not get the best of both worlds and go for a combination of materials. You could opt for an innerspring center with foam surrounding it or a cotton core surrounded by wool. There are many different combinations out there to suit the needs of just about anyone.
Top 5 Futon Mattress Reviews
Otis Haley 110 Futon Mattress-Queen
The Otis Haley mattress is designed to give you a not too soft and not too firm feel. It’s made from highly resilient foam and polyester that resists change in support, even after many years of use. It’s also very comfortable and durable thanks to the 1.5 inches of thermal bonded polyester wrap and 9” of high density foam.
The entire mattress is compressed into an 8” case made from polyester fabric that’s breathable, keeps you cool, and repels moisture. The difference between this mattress and traditional ones is that this one has boxed edges rather than rounded ones. This is to create a supportive synergy that gives you the ultimate level of comfort.
With the Otis Haley, you are given a 10 year manufacturer warranty and the best part; it can be used on a bi-fold frame or even an adjustable style frame. So if you ever decide to get rid of your beloved futon frame, you can still use the mattress.
Pros
Cons
I would recommend this mattress for those looking for a something medium-firm with a dual purpose.
Mozaic 8” Dual Gel Memory Foam Futon Mattress-Full
The Mozaic futon mattress is soft, making it an ideal sleeping surface for any guest that enters your home. The design of the mattress gives the futon an actual sofa-like appearance. It comes in an array of colors to match any decor and it the fabric itself is laced tufted onto the mattress.
The Mozaic mattress is composed of visco memory foam and polyurethane foam which is then wrapped up in a cotton mix blend. This gives the mattress an extended lifespan and plush comfort. The fabric poly-cotton cover encases it all, keeping it long lasting and protected.
One of the great things about this futon mattress is that because of its construction, it’s reversible. So, if it seems like you need to flip the mattress, you can do so without losing comfort or quality.
Pros
Cons
I would recommend this mattress for those looking for a medium feel surface.
Leather 5000 Series Futon Mattress Vertical 8” Innerspring-Full
Are you sick of those cheesy looking futon mattresses that look like they came straight from the clearance section of your local Costco? This leather futon mattress brings the elegance into that dull, boring room that everyone gathers in for games, snacks, and fun.
This mattress is made with bonded leather partnered with a “no slip” back panel so that it stays in place while being used. I can tell you from experience, futon mattresses are known for not staying where they’re supposed to, so this is a pretty great feature.
The inside of this mattress has 294 vertical 13 ¾ gauge springs with active support technology in combination with 1 ½ high density foam insulator pads for added comfort and cushioning. It also meets all CSPC flammability standards and is made in the USA.
Pros
Cons
I would recommend this mattress for those loking for a firm sleeping surface.
DHP 8” Independently-Encased Coil Premium Futon Mattress-Full
The DHP futon mattress fits any standard full sized futon frame and comes fully equipped with a microfiber mattress cover. The mattress is composed of 15 gauge independently encased coils for superb support and comfort.
In between the 522, 15 gauge pocket coils, you’ll find quality foam and polyester layering for more comfort. Nobody likes to sleep on springs that are poking into their backs. This is why there is cushioning between the coils and top of the mattress.
This mattress is CertiPUR-US certified, low in VOC’s, made without phthalates, flame retardants, ozone depleters, mercury, lead, PBDE’s, or heavy metals.
Pros
Cons
I would recommend this mattress for anyone looking for a firm, springy sleeping surface.
Serta Cypress Duct Cotton Futon Mattress-Queen
The Serta Cypress features something called “cottonique”. This is a combination of different selected grades of cotton with polyester fibers. These fibers offer a unique and durable blend that has the ability to outlast and outperform traditional cotton batting. This makes it more resilient and more comfortable while providing you with a lightweight mattress.
The mattress contains a 4” spring unit, meaning there will be more bounce to it in comparison to more traditional innerspring beds. This spring unit is surrounded by 2, 1 inch foam pieces that offer outstanding body conforming comfort.
Overall, the three layers of heavyweight cotton fiber blend mixed with innersprings, makes this mattress quite supportive and comfortable. It’s also designed with an attractive khaki, black, or natural duck fabric with lace tufts.
- Note: This is not made by Serta. It is made by Wolf Corporation, a Serta licensee.
Pros
Cons
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a firm cotton blend mattress.
Conclusion
Futon mattresses aren’t known for lasting forever, which is why it’s ideal to find one that has qualities to make it last as long as possible. Finding the right one could be the difference between your guests wanting to stay an extra night or bolting out of your home and to a hotel for the remainder of their stay. You don’t want uncomfortable guests, do you?
With that said, I would have to say that the best mattress for a sleep sofa, or futon, would have to be the Mozaic 8” Dual Gel Memory Foam Futon Mattress. My reasoning for this is because it’s a top rated product with high praises. It’s comfortable, heavy duty, is known to reduce pressure points, and it’s supportive. This is everything I would want in a futon mattress whether I was sleeping on it or my guests were.
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