Have you been eyeing this thick, elegant futon mattress model you’ve seen in a store or online?
Maybe you aren’t sure yet if you really need it. That’s why you’ve delayed buying it, allowing yourself to be content with admiring it. Well, now is the time for making choices. You have to know what practical and aesthetic value it can offer you. You have to understand what it will reward you with or cost you when you finally decide to pay for it.
This guide will not only teach you how to buy a futon mattress. We’ll remind you that it’s a fun experience because the bed has an interesting origin itself. You’ll also learn about the different types of futon. What? Futons aren’t just, well, futons? Yes, they come in foam and spring models, too. But more of that below, lest we spoil you.
Fun Facts About Futons
1. What Does Futon Mean?
To Westerners, futon is a loan word. It’s borrowed from the Japanese word that refers to a mattress laid on the floor. Yes, many Japanese sleep on the floor, in case you haven’t learned this fact. And they drift off to dreamland on this comfortable, Zen-inducing futon. You can roll it up in the morning when you wake up.
The first use of this bed was probably around 1876. Usually, it features a cotton batting and a quilted cover.
Futons are now part of the Western sleep culture. Your mental picture of the futon is based on this understanding. Indeed, we must admit we adopted this mattress type to suit our own needs.
2. Japanese vs Western Futons
To Westerners, futon is a loan word. It’s borrowed from the Japanese word that refers to a mattress laid on the floor. Yes, many Japanese sleep on the floor, in case you haven’t learned this fact. And they drift off to dreamland on this comfortable, Zen-inducing futon. You can roll it up in the morning when you wake up.
The first use of this bed was probably around 1876. Usually, it features a cotton batting and a quilted cover.
Futons are now part of the Western sleep culture. Your mental picture of the futon is based on this understanding. Indeed, we must admit we adopted this mattress type to suit our own needs.
2. Japanese vs Western Futons
Actually, Japanese futons are a bedding set comprising the mattress, the comforter, and the pillow. These are your shikibuton, kakebuton, and makura, respectively. Sleepers unroll their beds on the tatami mat. What we often refer to as the floor is covered with tatami, which is already comfortable.
Innovative versions coexist with traditional ones nowadays. So you’re likely to find raised futons in some households.
Meanwhile, western futons are commonly placed on a piece of furniture, such as a convertible bed-and-couch frame. The ones we’re familiar with were brought to the States by Japanese immigrants. But the mattress we’re accustomed to is thicker, filled with cotton, polyester, or wool.
3. They Create Space
The Japanese and Western styles have one thing in common: they are not big space hoggers. You already know the former is rolled up and stored when not in use, but that can also apply to the latter. In most cases, though, Western-style futon mattresses double as cushioning for day couches.
4. They Come In Many Designs & Colors
Futons are easy to spot as they tend to be lodged on a futon frame, which has a distinct look in itself. The mattress also comes often in quilted or hand-tufted designs, looking simple, classy, dressy, or elegant. And both futon mattress and frame are preferred in minimalist-inspired interiors.
Read: How Can I Create A Minimalist Bedroom Design?
Types of Futon
Most futon mattresses can be classified under two types: foam and spring. Of course, like their standard-size counterparts, they also have hybrids. Get to know all of these in this section.
Foam Futon Mattress
The well-loved memory foam in standard mattresses is now featured in futons. With this material comes the comfort, hug, and support it’s known for. So even in this category, it’s sure to draw some loyal users and converts. Many say it’s the most comfortable type for them.
Indeed, there are a few benefits that make it a better choice than innerspring. A foam futon mattress offers balanced support to any sleeper type. It doesn’t matter if you snooze on your back, side, or belly. Your body is fully supported by this bed type. And you can be sure it will last you a long time.
Yet, it isn’t perfect. You can be spending on an expensive model for a mattress you will only use sparingly. Foam futons are pricier than their coil counterparts. So if you’re not going to use it as your main mattress, it can be costly.
Cotton Futon Mattress
A cotton futon is a firm version of this mattress type. It provides support to sleepers who like hitting the sack Japanese-style. You can place it on a tatami, which is laid on the floor, or put it directly on the floor. Lying this close to the ground is said to have positive effects.
But while affordable, the material is not as strong as memory foam and even the innerspring. It can wear out fast. Once you purchase this one, practice utmost care. It is pretty lightweight and rolls up nicely. So it is ideal for those who have limited space.
Wool Futon Mattress
A futon stuffed with wool may not be the first thing you look for. But when you consider its benefits, it may be the model you end up with. Wool always enhances the look and feel of objects. And it feels warm and cozy, making for a perfect bed on colder days. But warmer days should find it cooling you down, too.
This material comes in virgin, natural, and organic forms. Its major downside could be its price.
Foam & Cotton Hybrid Futon Mattress
Futons won’t be without their own representatives in the hybrid category. But unlike the usual mattress, its power combination is not composed of coils and foam. It packs foam and cotton instead. Since foam can endure daily wear and tear excellently, it complements the firmness and comfort provided by cotton.
In terms of pricing, the foam-and-cotton hybrid is less expensive than memory foam but pricier than cotton.
Foam & Polyester Futon Mattress
Here’s another kind of hybrid. Blended futons have a place in customers’ homes because they are a durable bunch. They are usually made of foam layers at the bottom, with a polyester layer sitting at the top. The synthetic material can come in various firmness levels. But it is favored for its barely-there, plush effect, letting your body feel cushioned by the foam layers.
This type is less firm than cotton and as sturdy as memory foam.
Spring Futon Mattress
Spring futons are this mattress type’s traditional version. It’s not that different from your old queen-size bed with mattress coils underneath. Those are built to work hard. (Note: They’re still different from innerspring futons.) And in the futon family, these springs give your sleeping space its structure and firmness.
Another similarity with regular mattresses is the cushioning at the top. The top layer is typically made of high-density foam. So you have the support and comfort that’s comparable to a regular mattress. Spring futons may be losing popularity due to the rise of competent contenders. But they remain the classic and supportive bed some people cling on to. Their prices are also competitive.
However, the body may be heavy for some users. It isn’t foldable like cotton, taking up space. And it may not be easy for you to switch it from a mattress to a sofa whenever you want.
How to Buy A Futon Mattress
After going through the different types of the futon, it’s time to learn how to buy a futon mattress. Here are the factors to consider:
Construction & Materials
Managing your expectations starts with knowing what goes inside your futon mattress. You know this already: the layers are fewer than those of standard mattresses. But as we said, the foam, spring, and hybrid versions are pretty reliable.
The layers of a futon can be divided into the comfort layer and the base. As you can see, it doesn’t have a core or transition layers. The comfort layers can be convoluted foam, memory foam, or polyfoam. Look for foam components with certification, e.g. CertiPUR-US. At the bottom, you may find a high-density foam or spring base. To ensure the durability of the cover, it comes twill tufted.
Thickness
Most futons are 8 or 6 inches thick. To be sure, choose the 8-inch one. It’s considered comfortable while also packing the right amount of materials to ensure durability.
Aside from literal thickness, you can also think of how a futon mattress is low- or high-profile. This is not how it’s precisely described. But you can think of this other definition of thickness in relation to its feel. With a regular mattress, you’ll probably have that sensation of floating or being lifted. Futons can have a similar effect on you.
Shorter ones, like the beds the Japanese use, can create that experience of sleeping on or near the floor.
Health Benefits
Sleeping on a futon mattress can simulate the experience of sleeping directly on the floor. Westerners may feel more comfortable lying on a futon in a frame, though. This remains beneficial to your health, particularly your body. You can feel relieved lying on a firm and flat surface with a bad back. This setup helps align your spine naturally.
Further, the futon can help improve blood circulation and prevent scoliosis. You maximize the advantages if you go for a full tatami-like setup. But it’s also pretty useful when you place it on a futon frame.
Versatility
We’ve talked about the two styles of futon so far. The Western-style is all about maximizing utility. When awake, you fold the mattress into a sofa to save space. And you can sit on it, too—which allows you to save on furniture expenses, too!
On the other hand, you can unfold and fold the Japanese-style futons. Some models are lightweight that they can be stored during the day. They’re pretty easy to set up and keep, making for a handy hosting bed. And they are reasonably affordable.
Size & Style
While they look less conventional, futon beds come in similar sizes as regular ones. The most common sizes are full and queen. The convertible, dual-purpose models often come in queen-size. It’s spacious enough to accommodate two co-sleepers. A full-size futon mattress can work in college dorms or apartments.
As we said, there are many styles to choose from. Simple and solid colors can be striking enough. While patterned and printed designs can complement your room’s interior theme.
Pricing
Futons are less expensive than standard mattresses. With $200, you can buy one that is durable, supportive, and comfortable. Do not buy cheap ones, though. Find one that balances price and quality.
Other Factors
If your house is small, the futon can help make your space look bigger. It literally saves space. So if you’re staying in it considerably long, consider investing in a premium-quality futon bed. Do not forget to read the fine print on shipping, returns, warranties, and other factors while you shop.
Read: Best Futon Mattress Reviews [The Complete Guide]
Conclusion
Futons may not be like your typical mattress. But they’re versatile, affordable, and even stylish. They come with benefits that you often associate with memory foam or spring mattress. So, if you’re on the fence about buying a futon, we hope this guide has helped you see its true worth.
Having considered the factors, you should be able to tell if it’s a passing fancy or a pressing need. Which one is it for you? Tell us in the comments!
More information on sleep, mattresses, and sleep accessories can be found on phatfusion.net.