4 Best Futon Mattresses (Review) In 2021

It's always a little challenging to know exactly what you need to look for when picking any product and choosing the perfect modern or traditional futon is no different. So we've put together this useful guide to help you identify which futon features and factors are the most important, allowing you to identify the ideal futon mattress for your situation.

One of the best things about futon mattresses is their versatility. If you've ever pined for a sofa that can transform into a bed after a heavy gaming session and vice versa, you clearly don’t know about futons.

Therefore, it’s so important to consider the purpose when searching for the right futon mattress. Most people will purchase a futon to use as a sofa because of the convenient way it can transform into something else likes the world's comfiest Autobot. They know they might have guests at some point, so they may as well give them a place to sleep.

This isn’t the only reason to buy a futon mattress, though. They are also ideal for small spaces or if two people need to share a room but are too old for bunk beds. Whatever the purpose, it's still good to know that the option for multiple uses is there if you need it, and this makes futons such an appealing option if you don't want to splash out on a full bed.

Futon mattresses are not just about convenience or purpose. They also play a significant role in the overall aesthetics of your home. There is something interestingly chic about a good-looking futon setup, and when we say good-looking, we mean something other than the sweaty college dorm room you'd see on a TV show.

It's easy enough to find a mattress that matches your existing decor as there are so many colors to choose from. You're spoiled for choice, basically. However, you also need to think about the frame. There are two primary types of futon frames you can buy: metal and wood. Metal frames are more modern, which can blend easily into a contemporary home. Wooden frames are arguably more durable and bring the traditional futon to feel to the proceedings.

Your focus on aesthetics shouldn’t stop there, though. Don’t be afraid to accessorize the futon with throws and pillows. If you want to bring some college dorm flavors to the setup, a mandala sheet hanging above it will go down a treat.

Comfort is another thing you will always need to think about when looking at the best futon mattresses. As we've already mentioned, the word futon can conjure up some bad memories of sleepovers where you were the last one to call dibs on the comfy sofa, or perhaps one too many parties where you tried so hard to be the last one asleep, only to end up without one of the spare beds. But, as you'd expect, modern futons from classic brands have made comfort a priority.

This is possible through high-density foam, memory foam fillings, or independently encased coils, or an innerspring futon style that offers exceptional support no matter how you sleep. Because of these quality materials, you've assured an increased comfort level whether you use the futon as a bed or a sofa.

However, as futons are not as durable as a regular mattress, this will change over time, so make sure you care for the futon mattress properly to prevent lumps, dips and sags, and other wear and tear issues.

The thickness of your futon will depend on the type of mattress you choose. A Western-style futon is thicker, which means there is (arguably) more support. This also makes it heavier and more cumbersome to move around.

Conversely, a Japanese futon is slimmer, although this does not always impact the comfort level because of the quality material used to fill this type of mattress.

Despite these differences, all futons still come with a general thickness limit that can contribute to a comfortable sleeping experience. Anything between two to nine inches is suitable, as it provides decent support without being so thick that you sink into it. Although some people like an extra-plush feeling, this is not for everybody, especially for front or back sleepers.

Folding a futon can make it easier to store, but this is not always that easy. The more you fold it, the thicker it becomes, and this will make it difficult to squeeze into a suitable storage space.

The number of folds will depend on the type of mattress style you choose. Japanese futons are easier to fold as they are not as thick. However, Western futon styles are often too thick for simple storage, which means you will probably only use them on the frame.

This is not a bad thing, though. Western futon mattresses may need to fold several times to fit into the frame properly. This means they transform into bigger beds once unfolded. Some futons use a bi-fold style, whereas others are tri-fold styles. You can expect that the more folds, the bigger the mattress, but this is not a hard-and-fast rule, and many chair-style futons will use three folds, whereas queen-size sofa futons only use two.

For Western futons, a futon frame is essential for providing excellent support and style to your home. We've mentioned the frame options and aesthetics above, so look up there for more information on that.

Your research shouldn't stop there, though. Futon frames also need to be large enough to accommodate (at least) one person, whether sitting or sleeping, but also not be too large that they do not unfold properly, as this can damage the futon and anything too close.

It's also useful to think about the ease of assembly. While no futon frame should be too complicated, it can still be frustrating, and even if you consider yourself good at DIY, it's always useful to bring in reinforcements.

The more durable the futon, the better, but it is not just down to quality materials to increase the lifespan. That being said, several layers of foam can increase the durability, as this will enhance the density, making it less likely to sag, even after several weeks, months, and years of use.

You should also do everything you can to protect the materials. You can do this with a high-quality microfiber cover for your futon bed. This will prevent sweat stains, and any from occasional spills if you're partial to a midnight snack.

If you want to ensure your futon lasts as long as possible, look out for high-quality filling. A tufted design is a clear indicator of premium quality, and it will also ensure better support and comfort when going to sleep or just chilling in the sofa position.

While other types of mattresses come in a range of sizes, there are only two popular sizes you are likely to come across. These are full-size futon mattresses and Queen size futon mattresses.

The reason for this should be obvious enough. Not everyone has the space to fit a California King futon in their home, and as a futon mattress is specifically designed to save space while also offering a convenient place to sleep if needed, they shouldn't be too large. Instead, it’s best that your futon mattress fits comfortably in a spare room, den, or bedroom without taking up too much space on the floor.

When choosing your ideal futon, measure both folded and extended dimensions to make sure it will fit in the room. You will also need to account for the size of the frame and give a few inches on either side to make it easier to fold up and down whenever you need.