TOP 5 Best Futon Mattresses for Sleeping

Our Reviews of 5 Best Futon Mattresses for Everyday Sleeping and Sitting

Best Overall - Editor’s Choice — Futon Mattress by Classic Brands

The first item on our list of the best futon mattresses for sleeping is this innerspring model by Classic Brands. It uses pocketed (independent) coils and feels both supportive and adaptive. Because the coils compress under pressure independently, this mattress offers optimal support levels for each body section, which allowed me to enjoy tension-free sleep. Additionally, because the coils move independently, this futon mattress by Classic Brands doesn’t allow for that much motion transfer (excellent news for partnered sleepers).

I also like the cover of this futon mattress. First of all, it’s dark, so the stains will be less visible on it. I also appreciate that the cover fabric has a rather substantial feel to it. Therefore, it’s very likely to serve sleepers for a long time.

Best Non-toxic Option — TFS Pure Comfort Natural Cotton Mattress

Best Budget Pick - Memory Foam Futon Mattress by Milliard

Types of Futon Mattresses Explained

A futon is a type of mattress that originated from Japan. A traditional futon, or shikibuton, was designed for sleeping on the floor. 

However, in many of the modern American homes, you can find some kind of a futon sofa, also known as the American futon. And it has almost nothing in common with the traditional futon. See for yourself:

• Thickness. While the average shikibuton typically measures 2 to 4 inches thick, American futons can go from 6 and up to 10 inches or even more (1). This helps them resemble the feel of a standard mattress more easily.
• Different construction. The modern market can offer you dozens of different futon types, including those with pocketed coils, different types of foam, fiber layers, and other materials.
• Versatility. American futons are mostly used on a futon frame rather than on the floor. This allows not only to sleep on it but also to use it as a comfy space in your living room or kitchenette.

Also Read: Best Mattresses for Osteoporosis

Best Mattresses for a 400-pound Person

Who Will Benefit From Using a Futon Mattress?

Most products are made with a certain audience in mind. And while there is no universal bed that will suit everyone, here’s for whom a good futon mattress can work the best:

• Owners of small apartments. If you live in a tiny studio apartment, a futon mattress with a foldable frame can help you use space more wisely.
• Those who are looking for a good piece of furniture for their guest room. Thick futon mattresses feel no worse than a regular bed and work great for occasional sleeping. Besides, in a fully reclined position, they can easily accommodate two adults or several kids without feeling crowded.
• Individuals with a limited budget. Futons rarely exceed the $500 price tag, and for this price, you can expect a medium to high-segment mattress! So, if you want an affordable yet comfortable option for your sleep, buying a futon is a great idea!

How to Choose the Right Futon Mattress for Your Needs?

Now that you’re assured that a futon mattress will help you arrange a sleeping place in your apartment, let me tell you this:

A nice design and an appealing price aren’t the only factors to consider if you want your bed to be perfect for you.

I’ve prepared a list of other things you should check to choose the most suitable futon mattress for sleeping among all the options on the market.

Firmness

Firmness is one of the key parameters of comfort when it comes to beds. The thing is, its perception is linked to your weight and preferred sleeping position.

Let me briefly explain this to you:

• Petite sleepers (as well as those who snooze on their side) need a softer and thicker mattress whatever their sleep position. A firm bed, despite supporting their spine, can create too much resistance for their pressure points and make their back sore.
• Average-weight sleepers (along with back and combo sleepers) can feel great literally on any futon mattress if they don’t have health issues. But medium and medium-firm beds tend to be the most suitable, as they have a balanced feel.
• Heavy sleepers (and those who sleep on their stomach) need a firmer bed, primarily for supporting their lower back area, where pressure is accumulated the most.

Note that futon mattresses are usually firmer than regular beds because they’re designed for both sleep and leisure and should be able to withstand dynamic loads without losing support (2).

If you have some health issues, this might alter your perception of comfort and the needed firmness to achieve good sleep. You may want to consult your doctor to get personalized recommendations for choosing a bed.

Thickness 

This aspect can affect one’s comfort significantly. Generally, thicker futon mattresses can provide more cradling or support (or both, depending on the construction and the firmness level). Thicker models are also more suited for heavier sleepers. Plus, a thick futon mattress will likely serve longer, as using more filling materials means it will take longer to flatten out.

Now, most traditional futon mattresses start at 4 inches. When it comes to sleep and regular use, shoppers are advised to choose models that are at least 8 inches thick. For budget shoppers, a 6-inch model can be a good compromise between comfort and affordability.

Also Read: Alaskan King Bed

Wyoming King Bed

How Much Would a Futon Mattress Cost?

On average, futon mattresses range between $100 and $300. This makes them an excellent option for budget shoppers, as futon mattresses are much cheaper than standard models.

Still, it is possible to find more high-end models. They are usually priced around $500-600 and often have a more complex construction.

Construction and Materials: What’s the Best Type of Futon Mattresses?

The construction of a futon mattress could affect multiple aspects of use, including its feel, durability, and comfort of the sleeper.

That’s why it’s better to do a little research for first-time buyers. It can help them understand which futon mattress materials could contribute to their restful sleep the best.

Now, here are the most common types of futon mattresses available these days:

• Memory foam. Memory foam is a viscoelastic material that does an excellent job of adjusting to the sleeper’s body. It can deliver optimal support for different body parts by filling in the curves and hugging the pressure points. As a result, memory foam is widely famous for its pressure-alleviating properties. It’s a slow-moving material that effectively absorbs shock from motion, making it ideal for partnered sleep. At the same time, foam may seem restricting to some users. Additionally, it often sleeps hot (unless infused with cooling components or has an open-cell design).
• Polyfoam. Polyurethane foam is very similar to memory foam. It’s also cradling and works great for sleepers who appreciate a generous hug and pressure relief. Polyfoam is also cheaper in most cases, which makes it a popular choice among shoppers on a budget. At the same time, this material is a bit more resilient than memory foam. This makes polyfoam more responsive and thus, not as restricting. Shoppers should also remember that cheaper polyfoam is less durable than memory foam.
• Innerspring. The cheapest type of futon mattresses is innerspring. It uses resilient coils for support and a thin layer of padding. Spring mattresses are famous for their cooling properties, as coils allow for unparalleled breathability during the night. They also make a good option for combo sleepers or users with slight mobility issues. The thing is, springs are responsive and do not restrict movement, so they are easier to move on. Innerspring models also have stronger edges. This allows them to offer more sleeping space (great for couples). At the same time, this futon mattress type is not ideal for partnered sleepers if one of them is easily disturbed. That is because springs allow for motion transfer.
• Fiberfill. This type usually involves cotton fibers, wool, polyester, or a blend. Fiber futon mattresses are probably the most budget-friendly option. However, they can’t deliver the same level of comfort and support when compared with previously mentioned mattress types. Additionally, fiber futon mattresses can go flat relatively fast. So, they typically have a shorter lifespan and are often used as a temporary measure.

Also Read: Mattresses Without a Box Spring

Other Factors to Consider When Shopping for a Good Futon Mattress

There’s a bit more to a good futon mattress than its material or firmness. 

Certain aspects can be decisive, so it wouldn’t hurt for shoppers to consider them when looking for the best futon mattress. They include:

• Temperature regulation. Since you place your futon mattress on a frame, it may initially retain less heat compared to floor sleeping. But for even more pronounced cooling effects you may choose a futon with a coil block or convoluted foam layers.
• Motion response. This one is crucial if you are a restless sleeper or share a bed with one. If that’s the case, it’s highly recommended to choose foam mattresses over the spring ones, as they can absorb the impulses much better than bouncy coils.
• Durability. Durability is complex, and both coils and foams can either be great and long-lasting or break on the first night of use. To avoid the latter, buy from trusted brands that have history on the market — that’s a sure sign that they have been making good products for a long time. Also, do not neglect to check user reviews to see how a particular model performs in real life.
• Washable cover. A removable, washable cover would come in handy in a few scenarios. First of all, it could be a huge bonus for those shoppers who plan to use their futon mattress frequently. It will be easier for them to keep the futon clean by washing the cover regularly. This could also come in handy for allergy-prone individuals. Washing the cover regularly could decrease their exposure to potential allergens such as dust, pet fur, etc. Finally, a removable cover may also help users spruce up their futon. For instance, when the cover starts wearing off, they can remove it and add a new one (or a fitted sheet, for example). And the best part is - users can choose any color or design, which means they can also freshen up their futon quite easily.
• Size. Futon mattresses vary in size, but the safest option would be to stick to standard ones (Full, Queen, etc.). This way, it will be much easier for users to find the appropriate bedding accessories. Also, when searching for a mattress for an existing futon frame, users should measure it first (to make sure it will be able to accommodate a new mattress). While most manufacturers make standard frames and futon mattresses based on the same dimensions, some may be a little bit off.