Best Futon Mattress Review in 2020

Sleeping on the floor Japanese-style has gained popularity in the Western world. While this is just an approximation, we can actually reap the benefits of layering tatami mats, futons, and comforters as well.

But a futon mattress can be enough for those who want the utility, convenience, and simplicity of owning one. Whether you are after the former or the latter, finding the best futon mattress is an important task.

Apparently, many designs exist to satisfy a wide range of interests. So we covered the most common as well as unique ones. Let’s get started.

Best Futon Mattress

1. Serta Sycamore

For a start, look into Serta Futon models. This line is manufactured by Indiana-based Wolf Corporation. And all of them contain Cottonique, a blend of selected grades of cotton and polyester fibers. Serta Sycamore can be your entry-level choice. It is a low-cost solution with all the basics covered. At 8 inches thick, it packs 6 layers composed of foam and cotton. 

Let’s go inside the Sycamore for a closer look. Two-point-five pieces of convoluted foam can be found in the mattress, bringing comfort and safety to your body. This material is certified by CertiPUR-US, which means it is free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Further, this translates to no ozone depleters, flame retardants, and heavy metals like mercury and lead. It combines with 6 layers of 100%-cotton Cottonique Fiber.

The construction of Serta futons, specifically Sycamore, ensures optimal comfort and resiliency. Cottonique is responsible for the bed being light as well. To enhance durability, this futon sports 18 machine polyester and nylon tufts. It doesn’t just look tailored; it feels soft and supportive. The box casing makes it look luxurious.

Full and queen size versions are available. And the bigger one costs around $200. This model comes in various colors to match your interior: black, brown, khaki, natural, and gray. Product dimensions are 80 x 60 x 8 inches. Your order will be delivered compressed in a box. Shipping is free. It is backed by a 5-year warranty.

2. DHP Essence

Dorel Home Products or DHP is a company specializing in products for small living spaces. Its collections include sleeper sofas, ottomans, and accent pieces. It is the parent firm of mattress brand Sleep Signature. But the futon lines are all under the bigger DHP name. DHP Essence is just one of 71 options. Yet, it is a good introductory item for you.

This model is 8 inches tall, topped by foam and polyester. The latter material is designed to endure daily wear. The tufted microfiber cover is made to return to its original shape even after all the years. It’s also smooth and soft to the touch. You can lounge on it during the day and sleep on it at night.

But the star in DHP futon mattresses is their spring system. Inside the DHP Essence are independently encased coils. The spring system in normal beds has several benefits, such as contouring support, pressure relief, motion isolation, and equal weight distribution. You can also expect to experience these in this futon bed. It’s a high-quality choice that offers support and comfort.

Not only does it look the part of being durable, but this model also brings a stylish home. Take your pick: black, chocolate, charcoal, tan, cobalt, and merlot. Covers are available for you to customize your sleep area further. It’s firm and comfy as you need it to be. Shell out around $200 for this baby.

3. Mozaic

Mozaic is an e-commerce company that focuses on cushions and pillows. Its venture into delivering futon mattresses has earned it more visibility online. It has several memory foam variants available. But we are reviewing the Mozaic Memory Foam Futon Mattress. This polycotton blend-covered bed is fit for use day and night.

The memory foam option is just one of several, including pocket coil and gel pocket coil. This foam material in this Mozaic model is made of polyester. It is wrapped in a cotton twill tufted cover that is plush and durable, so daily lounging and sleeping won’t wear it down. It can also be spot-cleaned for minimal maintenance.

Further, this bed is light enough to be lugged around. You can easily fold or spread it out. Product dimensions are 75 x 54 x 10 inches, so it can fit a most standard-sized bed or futon frames. It’s also reversible for those who want to lengthen the lifespan of this product. The materials found in this one passed Federal Flammability Standard 16 CFR 1633.

Handmade in the USA, this bed gives off a comfy, homey vibe. It’s also pretty stylish in all the available colors: blue, black, burgundy, hunter green, ivory, khaki, navy, and red. Go for this versatile model if you’re aiming for an affordable, high-quality option. It comes in one size. And prices vary between above $150 and above $200. Free shipping and returns apply.

4. Nirvana Futons Westfield Futon Set

Nirvana Futons is a company that believes in options. It does not only offer futon mattresses. It also sells futon frames and futon sets. Since it’s got the whole package covered, the Nirvana Futons Westfield Futon Set is going to be touched on here. But the main product here is still the bed.

First, this futon mattress features multilayer cotton on top of 4-layer, high-density foam. It looks and feels thick and supportive. It’s universally comfortable, so you won’t be embarrassed having your guests sleep on this bed. But you can just convert this into a sofa or lounger as you need it. Its microfiber tufted cover prevents lumping and shifting of the contents. And it serves a nice contrast to the furniture.

Moving on to the frame, this eco-friendly hardwood design sports a heritage finish. Expert artisans craft it in Indonesia. And you can convert it as a bed, sofa, or lounger–the same as the futon. It’s easy to assemble and fit in a room. Give it around 3 hours to be installed. No prior experience required.

Pillows are not included in the futon set. The frame and mattress may be delivered to you separately. But you can buy it in one go at around $600. It comes in full and queen sizes. You can select from an array of colors to best reflect your style, including khaki, fudge, black, burgundy, hunter green, ivory, navy blue, red, and royal blue. A 5-year limited warranty applies.

5. Best Choice Products Split Back Linen Futon

A futon bed can come in handy when you are hosting guests at home. But outside of this function, it can still pretty much serve you well. You can get a sleek and stylish model to complement the interior of your living room. You can even turn it into that room’s centerpiece. This is where the Best Choice Products Split Back Linen Futon comes in. 

First, this model is made of linen, which can add sophistication to any space. This material is also soft to the touch. Further, the product is tufted and filled with plush padding to give you the most comfortable time. Its split-back feature lets you recline one side while keeping the other side at its normal position. And it can be converted into a bed at night. See below for a demonstration.

Moreover, this beauty comes in various colors to match different room styles. Aside from dark and light gray, you have beige, black, blue, brown, dark red, orange, and purple to choose from. A queen version costs at an affordable $199.99.

6. Leggett & Platt Living Room Futon

Having been around for 125 years, Leggett & Platt is known as a leader in the bedding industry. It has helped launch some of the most innovative products in this business. You probably recognize this brand for its adjustable beds, bed frames, and bed linens. But did you know that it has also been making futon mattresses? For example, you have the Leggett & Platt Living Room Futon.

This flexible mattress can be used as a sofa or a bed. Its button tuft design looks sturdy and comfortable. It’s meant to withstand daily wear and tear. To ensure it lasts long, it’s packed with the following layers: 1.5-inch cotton batting, 1.5-inch 1.2 density foam, a core layer of .75-inch cotton batting, 2 layers of 1.5-inch 1.2 density foam, and 1.5-inch cotton batting.

If you’re a minimalist or techno futuristic, you’d love the black finish of the Leggett & Platt Living Room Futon Mattress. Unfortunately, that is the only available color. Find something else if you want a bright or vibrant feel in your space. This model can be bought for $199.99 (full version). And it can be delivered in a box to your home. It is backed by a one-year limited warranty.

7. D&D Futon Furniture Chair Foam Bed

D&D Futon Furniture specializes in selling chair foam beds. Yet, it has a slew of products under its label. Some of these are tri-fold foam beds, yoga cushions, and rolling mattresses. The most basic D&D Futon Furniture Chair Foam Bed is included in our list because it’s handy, functional, and affordable.

This model is highly-rated on marketplaces like Amazon. The reasons are what we mentioned above. Made of 100% polyester, this chair-cum-bed can be turned into a folding chair for your lounging needs. And then it can be spread out as a bed. It may be short for some adults. But it is ideal for use in children’s rooms.

This chair foam bed is currently sold at around $130. It comes in a single color offering: gray. If you buy it on Amazon, it will be delivered to your home for free. Its dimensions are 70 x 32 x 6 inches. It’s pretty light and easy to move around at 21 pounds. It’s quite perfect for many places and occasions, such as having guests over and camping on minivans.

8. Luxton Home Japanese Shiki Futon Foldable Mattress 

This may be last on our list, but it doesn’t mean it is not an awesome mattress. This futon mattress from Luxton Home has everything you need to have a restful, refreshing, and restorative sleep. It’s hypoallergenic and promotes back health. It may be padded, but it allows you to feel the firm support of the floor for natural spine alignment–something the Japanese know to be beneficial.

At 1.5-inch thin, the Luxton Home Japanese Shiki Futon Foldable Mattress is perfect for use with a tatami mat. However, some may find this too thin. Allow the mattress to expand for 3 full days to see if it’s the right thickness for you. It’s easy to fold and store in the corner of your room.

You can also use this mattress as a yoga or meditation mat. It’s lightweight and portable, perfect for traveling, camping, and outings. It’s hypoallergenic, so it won’t harm your skin. Plus, it’s durable enough to be rolled out every day. A full version retails at around $165.

Know Before You Buy

Things to Consider When Buying A Futon Bed

Construction & Materials

Futon mattresses may be the lite version of fully-fledged mattresses. You may have read our reviews of the former and come across materials and layers. While futons sport fewer materials, it’s interesting to note that you can choose from all-foam (mostly memory foam) and spring-foam models. 

The comfort layers are usually made of convoluted foam, memory foam, or polyfoam. A high-density foam or spring base completes the construction. Usually, covers are twill tufted, as this technique helps lengthen the lifespan of the bed. Most of our recommended products use materials that are certified by third-party bodies like CertiPUR-US.

Thickness

This factor refers to two things. First, it’s the literal thickness of the futon. Mostly, you’ll encounter 8 and 6 inches. And we advise picking the 8-inch one. Not only is this the comfortable thickness, but it also has just the right contents to endure everyday wear. 

Second, you may think of thickness in relation to how it feels. Do you like the experience of being lifted? Or do you prefer it thin yet plush, as if you’re drifting off on a cloud? Some can really be around a couple of inches tall, staying true to the Japanese tradition of sleeping on the floor.

Health Benefits

Sleeping on a futon mattress somehow simulates the experience of sleeping on the floor. Instead of a tatami, Westerners may feel more comfortable on a futon. This has several benefits for your health, particularly your physical body. You may have a bad back and feel relieved lying on a firm and flat surface. And your spine can get into proper alignment.

At the same time, blood circulation can be improved and scoliosis can be prevented. Since it’s tied to minimalism, it can also simplify sleeping and waking up. Plus, there is no fear of falling over. You may reap the full benefits, though, if you go for the full tatami-like setup.

Versatility

Futons are meant to be used 2 or 3 ways. This reflects the Western style of maximizing utility. We know that they are mainly used to be folded into a sofa for daytime use. You can also use one as a lounger if you want to recline instead of sit.

As a bed, futons can be placed on standard-sized futon frames or the floor. You can unfold them at night for this purpose. You can also purchase one to accommodate guests. It is lightweight and easy to move around. It is a pretty affordable hosting bed, to begin with. 

Size & Style

The most common sizes are full and queen. With a queen version, you can have a space big enough for you and a partner. Yet, if you need to save space during the daytime, you can convert the bed to one-half its size. A futon comes really handy when you’re living in a condo or dorm.

As for style, most futons designed to be simple. They come in various colors to suit your preferences. Solids just like the examples mentioned earlier are the most common. You can pick one to match your room interior if this is your goal.

Pricing

Futon prices are often a fraction of regular mattress prices. Starting at around $200, you can already bring home a futon bed that’s thick, comfortable, and supportive. You should also be resting comforted by the fact that your bed can last you a long time–a good bang for your buck.

Other Factors

Saving storage is another important consideration for many futon shoppers. If you’re staying in a small space for quite some time, select a model that is durable. It should also be high-quality yet affordable. Free shipping and returns, as well as warranties, are other factors you cannot ignore.

FAQ About Futon Mattress

1. Is a wood futon frame better than metal?

Many oak or ash futon bed frames utilize a “slider” mechanism. Also, futon metal frames are available, but many are poorly designed and built, with several exceptions. There are also several wooden futon frames with metal mechanism designs. 

Before choosing between wood or metal frames, it’s best to check the construction for any obvious design flaws including screw points that stick out of the wood. Trying out the futon frame is also a good idea to ensure it won’t creak.

2. How do you clean a futon mattress?

For longer life span, rotate the futon mattress frequently to avoid sink spots. You can get rid of all surface stains using a damp washcloth, mild laundry detergent, and warm water. Deodorize the futon mattress by sprinkling baking soda on the mattress and let it sit for an hour. Baking soda will absorb odor, and then you can vacuum it. 

You can use a steam cleaner for deep cleaning, but it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions about using a steam cleaner on your futon mattress. Refresh between cleanings using a household spray fabric freshener. Leave the futon mattress without a cover. Give the mattress some time to air dry or use a fan to circulate the air.

3. How often do you vacuum a futon mattress? 

To keep it dust-free, vacuum your futon mattress regularly throughout the month. Get in the cracks using the vacuum’s brush attachment.

4. How to care for the futon bed frame? 

Remove the futon mattress from the frame. Check the joints for any rust or bent. Tighten screws and polish hardwood furniture as needed. 

5. How do you clean the futon mattress cover? 

Futon covers are washable. They’re made of a thicker material as compared to bed sheets. If used regularly, wash your futon mattress cover three or four times a month.

The Verdict

A futon bed is a convenient piece of furniture. You can use it as a couch or a bed, or even both. And whether you are inspired by the Japanese tatami or attracted to the futon’s functionality, you can sleep or lounge on a futon mattress to your heart’s content. Normally, just the futon would be nice to have. But we suggest you get one with a built-in frame.

All the brands and models we recommended in this review are trusted by users. So you can start your shortlisting with any of those. Which ones have piqued your curiosity so far? What features do you like about them? Let us know in the comments section. And don’t forget to share this guide with family and friends.