You may think futon mattresses are simply part of a trend, a romantic notion for the minimalists or a decorative feature. The truth? While those reasons do count, this type of mattress has been and will be popular for homeowners in many years to come because of other aspects too. To help you gauge if some of the best futon mattress products is the furniture solution you’ve been looking for, we compiled this informative article. For starters, you need to know there are different types such as the Japanese design (which is specifically made as a bed on the floor that you can easily fold and store) and the Western design. The latter has different stuffing compared to the Japanese type and can be your new bed or sofa. Why so popular as furniture? Because they take up less space and are more comfortable than you think.
But that’s not all that makes it valuable, so we compiled easily understandable reviews so you can learn about fabrics, thickness, and weight. Comparing all those with your needs will help you pick the best one.
Over the past two months, we asked a group of chiropractors and interior designers to test out our list of products below. Combined, these two groups of experts provided us with a well-rounded view of each futon mattress. Now you can pick your favorite based on practical and aesthetic feedback, contained in the reviews below. Also, use the buyer’s guide to gain some new knowledge before you make your final pick, and our comparison table helps you make a quick decision if necessary.
Bed or sofa? Let’s find you yours.
Extra features: individually encased innerspring coils for durability, polyester microfiber cover
This rates as our best futon mattress for sitting and sleeping because it’s such a great combination of all the features you need in this niche. Want to try it out before you buy a frame? Then do. The design will fit on futon frames, but even on a regular bed, so it’s a solution no matter your current setup.
It is a bit on the heavy side, so it’s not the most manageable if you need to move it by yourself. However, it’s one that folds very easily, making it an appropriate option for regular storage. When it’s time to take it out it bounces back to its original thickness quite easily, so if your guests arrive unannounced, now you have a solution—not much preparation necessary.
Of course, comfort is a prime consideration and thanks to the thick 8″ design you or your guests won’t be left wanting. On top of a 7-inch coil layer, you’ll find a comfort layer of 1″ of fiber. This combination is the Classic Brands’ magic solution. Your comfort is enhanced by the coil design, so it’s a quality bed for long term use too.
This is a dynamic design you can use as a sofa or a bed. After regular use you can simply wipe it down with a cloth to return some luster—maintenance is very low key. In extreme cases, you can consider removing the cover as there is an inner lining.
We also appreciate the brand offering both black and brown designs. One of these should match your décor style, although it’s easy to make or purchase a different cover if necessary.
An interesting bonus: this futon mattress doesn’t have any odors upon opening it. You can enjoy it straight away with not much airing out necessary.
Extra features: tufted twill cover keeps the fill from shifting, soft to medium support, made in the USA, accepts a standard full futon cover
A futon mattress that spends most of its life as a sofa needs to hold its shape through years of sitting, and that is exactly what the individual pocket coils in this Nirvana Futons model are there for. The coils are topped with foam and a poly-cotton fill, and the whole thing is finished in a tufted khaki twill cover that stops the material from shifting or going lumpy over time.
At 10 inches thick it feels like a proper mattress when you fold it flat for an overnight guest, while the soft to medium support keeps it comfortable for an evening on the couch. The three-year manufacturer’s warranty against defects is a good sign of how long the brand expects it to last and goes some way to justifying the higher price tag, and since it is made in the USA and fits any standard full futon frame or platform bed, it is an easy one to slot into a room.
Extra features: three-layer diamond quilting, medium-firm feel, folds and rolls for storage
This is a practical floor mattress in every sense of the word. At roughly 12 pounds and 2 inches thick it is easy to fold, roll and carry, so it works equally well as a spare bed for guests, a minimalist bedroom setup or a floor bed you clear away each morning.
The three-layer diamond quilting spreads your weight evenly and gives a medium-firm surface that sits much closer to a traditional shikibuton than to a Western mattress, while the 100% cotton cover keeps the sleeping surface breathable. It is a premium price for something this slim, so buy it because you want the Japanese approach, not because you want plush cushioning.
Extra features: 3-layer soft-firm-soft structure, washable covers included for mattress, comforter and pillow, made in Japan
This is the all in one choice on the list: you get the mattress, a 3-season comforter measuring 59 x 83 inches and a 17 x 25 inch pillow, and every piece arrives with its own cover, so it works as a starter kit if you are setting up a first apartment or moving into student quarters. It is one of the more expensive options here, but you are buying a whole bed rather than a single item.
The mattress uses the brand’s soft-firm-soft build, with a firm pad sandwiched between two separately quilted fiberfill pads, so you get a plush surface without losing the support underneath, and it folds in three to go in the closet or into a corner during the day. The futons themselves are not washable, which is why the covers matter here: the mattress cover, comforter cover and pillowcase are all machine washable with a washing net, and airing the futons on sunny days or in a well ventilated room keeps them dry.
Extra features: CertiPUR-US certified foam, flippable and foldable, hand-tufted detail, made to order in the USA
This is one of the few futon mattresses built around individually wrapped coils rather than foam alone, and at 10 inches thick it sits a lot closer to a proper bed than to a couch cushion. Layers of high-density foam and breathable cotton batting sit over the coil unit, so the surface adjusts to the shape of your body for pressure relief while the coils below it provide medium/firm support.
It is flippable and foldable, which means the same mattress works flat as a guest bed at night and folded for seating during the day. Each one is made to order in the USA with CertiPUR-US certified foam, and it comes in full and queen, so measure your frame before you order.
Extra features: polyester cover
If your budget is small, you can still get yourself a quality futon mattress in the form of this D&D design. The typical Japanese style will instantly add an interesting feel to the room, so you can transform your space without spending much.
Note that since it’s a Japanese style futon mattress, the focus is on manageability. You’ll easily be able to move it around, fold it for storage or even load it in the car as it weighs considerably less than many others on our list.
Although you’re buying on a budget you’re still getting quality since the mix of cotton and fibers inside gives you a cool sleeping option, as well as providing you with a lot of support. It will also last you a long time as it’s a durable product.
Of course, this one is much thinner than some others on the list, at only 3 inches, but that makes sense as it’s of Japanese style. When you travel with this, you’ll appreciate the compact design. This also makes it possible to take with during activities such as picnics, so you have a comfortable surface for an afternoon nap.
Note that there is an odor upon arrival, so make sure you’ll have a few days to air it out before you or a guest sleep on it.
It can work as a permanent bed if need be: just fluff it up every few weeks, and it should give you the same support as at the start.
The cover is washable, so maintenance is relatively low key.
Extra features: lace tufting, frame not included
The lace tufting is what makes this one work as a couch: it breaks up the surface so the mattress reads as a sofa cushion rather than a slab of foam once it is folded onto a frame. At 54 by 75 inches and 8 inches thick it suits a standard full size futon frame, and the memory foam fill takes the edge off the slats underneath.
Plan ahead when it arrives: unwrap it within 72 hours of delivery and give it about 48 hours to return to its original shape, plus a few hours of airing if the packaging has left an odor behind. The frame is not included, so budget for that separately if you do not already own one.
Extra features: natural cotton and poly blend reduces moisture and prevents overheating, made in USA
Do you want options? This brand makes sure you get what you need for your home space by offering this design in multiple colors. Pick one that’s a functional color to put on display as the tufted twill exterior is quite stylish—you don’t have to add a sheet if you don’t want to.
The tufted design also makes sure you get fewer lumps than with other futon mattresses. The stuffing can’t easily shift around inside.
The stuffing is a mix of cotton, foam and more, resulting in a bed that supports you well. Because it has layers, it supports while also giving you a comfortably soft surface to relax on. For many users, this equates to a medium type regular mattress.
Unfortunately, this is another bed you’ll first have to air out as there is a strong odor upon arrival.
A great thing about this one is that it usually doesn’t require an adjustment period. In many cases, you’ll feel as comfortable as on your normal mattress from night one. That’s to be expected with this thick mattress though: 10 inches are quite impressive.
The brand manufactures its mattresses in various sizes so you can try out others depending on your needs. The Full size will serve as a bed or a sofa easily.
Although it’s a large, sturdy unit, it’s still pliable enough that you can move it around the room on your own — a very practical buy.
Adding some new décor and furniture to your home is an excellent idea, but you need some insight to make the real ‘right’ decision on which one to invest in. This buyer’s guide acts as an informative, quick reference guide when you start shopping: do it like an expert.
For starters, you need to know this is the best way to spend your budget, so let’s list the advantages you’re up for:
Would you like to enjoy these benefits? Then make sure you identify the best futon mattress for your space. There’s a reason there are so many designs: people differ. Start by making a list of what you think your priorities are in terms of furniture. Then scan through this list of features and see how a futon mattress will help you achieve your goal. And then it’s time to shop!
Type of mattressThere is a distinction between Japanese futons and European (also called American) futon mattresses. The first is designed to be folded away after sleeping on it at night, so this is your ideal storage option. The other category includes mattresses that have different types of fillings and stuffing (see below for more info on this aspect), often making them less portable. This is the type that often doubles as a sofa.
Thickness will definitely impact your comfort, the support your body gets but also how much space you need for storage. Between these factors, you need to find a balance.
No matter what the situation, we suggest you pick one that’s at least 6 inches thick.
Thickness should also be considered based on whether you’re using a frame and what type of frame. To prevent the frame from hurting you, an 8-inch mattress is advisable.
However, these dynamics mostly apply to the European designs. A truly Japanese futon may be closer to 3 inches in thickness, while still providing ample support and comfort. The thin design makes it more portable, space saving during storage and easy to move around the room.
Firstly you’ll find mattresses of various sizes, with items such as FULI and EMOOR Japanese Futon Mattress Set CLASSE with Covers available in many regular mattress options (Twin, Queen, Full and more). You may even find futon mattresses designed to act as single seat couches, so consider your needs and invest in something you know will be value for money. The brands that use standardized beds’ sizing dimensions as guidelines make it easy to find bedding for your mattress.
Before you pick – are you shopping for a mattress for an existing frame? Make sure it fits, or it may feel uncomfortable, slide around at night or look out of place. While manufacturers do consider frame sizes, not all brands adhere to standardized dimensions. Yours may arrive bigger or smaller than expected if you don’t specifically note the details.
Note: don’t get confused with packing size vs. the real space you’ll need for your mattress. The mattress will expand when you unpack it, making it more voluminous.
Weight is a practical feature: you want something you can handle if you’re going to move your futon mattress around a lot or put it in storage now and then. Therefore, make sure it’s not too heavy. However, if you want real comfort, you have to pick a luxuriously thick unit. This means you may have to lug around more than 50lb.
What if you want a traveling mattress? That’s what the Japanese style futon mattresses often are. In this category, you can pick one of 30lb or lighter. Yes, there are super light mattress products available so don’t settle for one that will hinder more than help you enjoy your travels. Of course, depending on your preferences, these may not be as ideal for long term, regular use. Note that we mention your preferences: some people prefer the firmness of these thin mattresses and find them more comfortable than the soft, regular mattresses many of us are used to.
This niche in the mattress industry has expanded quite a lot. Today you can take your pick, so your mattress aligns with your application.
You should consider your needs and preferences before you buy, so you enjoy the mattress from the start. If you know you easily sleep hot, you should look for a cotton based design, as they’re often the best for keeping you cool. Luckily there are many brands that use a breathable cotton cover on the sleeping surface, such as the FULI Japanese futon unit.
Memory foam is another popular option as it’s known for its comfort, with coiled designs also attracting a lot of attention. These are winning options because of the great support they offer. Futon mattresses that are used on a daily basis must provide enough support if you don’t want to end up with a back problem. The coil design prevents the mattress from wearing out too soon or losing its shape, meaning you get support every night of the week.
Other stuffing options include polyester mixes or poly-cotton blends. Brands also develop their own unique products that can fight off bacteria and won’t attract mites. These are excellent options if you want low maintenance solutions.
Mattresses can be used on their own or placed on frames (metal or wood) or even used on top of a bed’s base.
You can see in our list that warranties usually range between 1 year and 5 years. This is a good indication of the level of quality you’re buying, so use it to vet products during future shopping excursions. A bed should be a long time investment, so making something like the Nirvana Futons Premier Pocket Coil futon mattress is a wise purchase thanks to its three-year warranty.
Yes, you can go shopping for a futon mattress no matter your budget. The D&D brand provides an industry favorite without forcing you to break the bank. However, you will get more benefits if you’re willing to spend a bit more, and especially a long warranty is an excellent feature to invest in.
To help you make the most of your new purchase, let’s list a few handy tips from those in the know:
Now, which one will you kit your home out with? For us, there’s no going wrong with the Classic Brands 8-inch futon. It’s a mix of what’s important in this niche of furniture such as incorporating supportive coils. Because it adjusts to its true size quickly after taking it out, it’s a practical solution in any circumstances.
Next up we suggest you have a look at the Nirvana Futons Premier Pocket Coil mattress. It’s not only that you get great support from the individual pocket coils, but the tufted twill cover keeps it looking neat for years. It works for rooms, offices, and lounges – and that three-year warranty is enough to make the price worth it.
Of course, a Japanese futon may be all you need, in which case we urge you to consider FULI’s unit as one of the best futon mattresses around. The one we reviewed is of such excellent quality, and the portability means you’ll use it more often than you think.
Your luxurious futon mattress awaits. On which one will you drift off tonight?
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