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Sleep is an essential part of our lives, so doing your best to make sure you get good sleep is your duty.
Unfortunately, a luxurious King-sized bed — or even a Full-sized one — may not always be a good fit for your bedroom and your lifestyle.
That’s why I want to present to you… a futon mattress!
This compact type of mattress can easily substitute a regular bed in your bedroom or a guest room, without sacrificing comfort during sleep.
So, sit down and check my reviews of the best futon mattresses for sleeping to see if you can choose something that will work for you!
A Quick Preview
![]() | Best Overall - Editor’s Choice Futon Mattress by Classic Brands | Check Current Price on Amazon Check Current Price on Overstock Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Runner Up Coil Futon Mattress by DHP | Check Current Price on Amazon Check Current Price on Home Depot Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Side Sleepers Stratus | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best Non-toxic Option TFS Pure Comfort Natural Cotton Mattress | Check Current Price on Amazon Check Current Price on The Futon Shop Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best Budget Pick Memory Foam Futon Mattress by Milliard | Check Current Price on Amazon Check Current Price on Overstock Read more about this mattress |
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Highlights
- independent coils for targeted support and to reduce motion transfer;
- sturdy polyester cover for easy cleaning;
- medium-firm feel to accommodate a wide range of sleepers.
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.
Highlights
- thick 15-gauge coils to ensure reliable support and durability;
- super-smooth cover, gentle on the skin and pleasant to the touch;
- extra layers of foam and polyester padding to offer more cushioning.
The next model that deserves to be among the best futon mattresses for sleeping is this innerspring mattress by DHP. Now, the best thing about this model is how it combines support with cradling. Despite being responsive (courtesy of the coils), the DHP mattress has a generous layer of padding that made my protruding body parts feel hugged and incredibly comfortable.
I also appreciate that this futon mattress sleeps cool. Both the cover and the coils inside are breathable, allowing the heat to dissipate and preventing night sweats. I, for one, did not experience overheating even with my thermostat on a high setting and under a fluffy blanket.
Best for Side Sleepers — Stratus
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Highlights
- thick cotton padding for extra cushioning;
- bouncy Bonnell coils to deliver responsive support;
- resilient foam comfort layer for effective cradling.
Another item I want to add to this list of the best futon mattresses for sleeping is the Stratus, an innerspring mattress that has a soft feel and would be perfect for side sleepers. There are extra layers of foam and cotton, which are meant to gently cradle the protruding body parts and relieve the tension. At the same time, the coil core should help with proper weight distribution and support, so you don’t have to worry about your back health.
Best Non-toxic Option — TFS Pure Comfort Natural Cotton Mattress
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Highlights
- chemical and toxin-free, as it uses only organic materials for safer sleep.
- wool is thermoregulating, along with a breathable cotton cover, helping you stay temperature-neutral.
- responsive and supportive due to its soft wool and coil system, which can help keep the spine straight.
The TFS Pure Comfort Mattress is my best non-toxic futon mattress as it's chemical and toxin-free, uses thermoregulating materials, and stays responsive with its coil system. The TFS ensures you sleep in a safe and irritant-free environment as it's made up of only organic wool, cotton, and stainless steel coils, all of which are safe for most people and eco-friendly (unlike the Millard, which uses polyurethane foam). The organic wool in the TFS mattress also has the added benefit of being thermoregulating, which, along with the breathable cover, helps keep you cool in warmer and warm in cooler temperatures.
The coil system in this mattress is also worth looking at. Made up of a layer of 4-inch tall pocketed coils, the TFS mattress feels cradling and doesn’t sink too deep in the cotton and wool layers, keeping your spine and hips supported.
What I Don’t Like About This Mattress
One thing I don’t like about this mattress is that, due to its non-toxic features, it is priced a bit higher than other mattresses, for example, $250 higher than the Coil Futon Mattress by DHP.
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Highlights
- two layers of memory foam to guarantee adaptive comfort and decent support;
- thick and comfy but lightweight and easy to move (great for people who switch homes frequently);
- removable and washable cover for easy maintenance.
Being among the best futon mattresses for sleeping, this model by Milliard can offer high comfort levels for a great price. This is a foam mattress that has two layers - a denser one for support and a plushier one for comfort. It feels very balanced, which surprised me a lot considering this mattress’s attractive price tag.
I was also happy to discover that this model was thick and comfy enough that I didn’t feel the frame bars underneath. They are metal and usually poke my back when I sleep on foam mattresses. However, this particular foam model is denser and thicker than many competitors. Therefore, I could only feel the foam and forgot about those metal bars after the first night.
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
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
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.
Don’t Forget About the Frame
A futon frame is an essential component that can either boost the strong sides of the mattress or completely wreck them. And here are the main things to consider to choose the right frame:
- Materials. You will likely choose between wood, metal, or their combination. Wooden frames look sturdier and more luxurious, but they also tend to be heavier and bulkier, and may break down easily. Metal frames are typically made of hollow steel tubes and have a more compact construction while remaining durable.
- Construction. Most futon frames are foldable and can save you some space. If you plan on using your futon sofa in the living room, it’s better to look for a compact frame design that will allow you to easily switch between the sofa position and the fully reclined one. Plus, be sure to pay attention to the spacing of the slats on your futon frame. Regardless of the frame material, the slats will offer you the best support if they’re around 2.5-3 inches wide (3).
- Value for money. You probably don’t want to place a luxurious futon mattress atop a cheap frame or vice versa. They just won’t pair very well, and a cheap foundation can make your mattress wear out sooner, which doesn’t contribute to cost-efficiency in the long term.
FAQ
What does a futon look like?
A futon (American type) looks like a mattress you can place on a metal or wooden frame and fold it into a couch. A traditional Japanese futon is more like a thick blanket you place on the floor for sleeping.
What to do with the old futon mattress?
The best way to dispose of an old futon, assuming it’s still usable, is to donate it to your local charities. For a totally worn-out futon, contact your local disposal services and see if they can help you out.
How much weight can a futon hold?
The average weight capacity of a futon is about 300 lbs, which is perfectly enough to provide support for a single sleeper.
Where is the Best Place to Buy a Futon Mattress?
The best place to buy a futon mattress is either in big-chain stores, your local furniture store, or online. Shopping in person may not offer you enough of a selection, or not enough models to try before buying, so it may be more convenient to shop online. This allows you to see a full selection of sellers that can ship directly to your door, as well as compare reviews.
Final Word
So, whatever the reason you want a futon mattress instead of a regular one, you can easily get good sleep if you carefully make a choice. These five futons I’ve reviewed today offer good value for money and you can easily choose any of them to support your sleep.
And if I had to name my personal favorite, I would choose the Futon Mattress by Classic Brands. This model has excellent supportive properties, which are crucial for restful sleep. At the same time, this futon mattress has a rather adaptive feel (thanks to independent coils inside). It adjusts to the curves of the body and, thus, aids pressure relief. And that’s what makes it so comfortable.
What do you consider when choosing a futon? If you have any tips and tricks, feel free to share them with us below!
References
- Kathy Adams (n.d.). What Is the Difference in a Futon & a Japanese Futon Mattress? Retrieved from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/difference-futon-japanese-futon-mattress-95309.html
- Zach Gentry (2020, January 17). Futon Mattress Guide: Benefits, Drawbacks & More. Retrieved from https://helixsleep.com/pages/types-of-mattresses-futon
- Are Futon Mattresses Still Popular? Retrieved from https://purple.com/mattress-types/futon-mattresses
Our research
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