Futon mattresses were originally created in Japan. “Futon” means “bed” in Japanese. If you think that futon is the same as a regular bed, you’re very wrong. It’s all in one, including the frame, mattress and a cover.  

People usually choose futon mattresses due to their multi-functionality. It’s a perfect option for guests because it can be laid out directly onto the floor and also used on your sofa-bed. What is more, futon mattresses can completely replace a sofa. Who wouldn’t want to have that? 

If you’re looking for the best futon bed, no matter if you want to replace your old one or try it out,  here are the products that I’ll be introducing later on: 

However, before jumping straight into the best futon mattress reviews, there are a few things that are crucial to make the right decision and choose the most comfortable futon mattress for your needs. 

Best Futon Mattress: What You Should Know

Finding the best futon mattress for yourself is not that easy, however, the information that you’ll find below should be really helpful. 

The Most Common Types of Futon Frames: Types and Materials

To find the most comfortable futon mattress for yourself, you should be aware of different types of futons you can find in the market. Here they are: 

  • Bifold. Most commonly you will come across a bifold futon frame. As the name says, you can fold it in half and use it either for a couch or simply as a bed for your guests. While some people sleep on futon mattresses every night, you must find a really comfortable option to get high-quality sleep. 
  • Loveseat. Loveseat futon frames are a perfect option for smaller spaces, especially when you’re using them in guest rooms. A 2-piece futon mattress is used to save your space and fit a twin- or full-size bed. 
  • Trifold. Trifold futon frames are not as common as they can be more difficult to convert from sofa to bed, however, they’re also great if you don’t have much space. Since the mattress is folded three times, you cannot use thicker options on them. 

Now, moving to the materials of the futon frames, the most common ones are these: 

  • Wooden frames. Most commonly you’ll find wooden futon frames, usually made from birch or maple. If you want to not only spare your savings but also find an option that would last longer, you should choose solid hardwood frames that are durable and more supportive. In terms of design, you’ll find a variety of different options. 
  • Metal frames. Metal frames give you a contemporary look. They’re usually black or silver, and the price completely depends on the metal that’s used. That being said, you’ll be able to find options that are both less expensive and way more pricey than wooden frames. They should last you longer than wooden options. 

Therefore, now that you know about the types of futon frames and materials that are most commonly used, let’s move to more specific information about futon mattresses. 

Sizes and Materials of Futon Mattresses 

If you’re looking for the best futon mattress for sleeping on a daily basis, then you should be aware of the thickness, size, options and different materials that are being used in such beds. 

The thickness mostly depends on whether you’re looking for a traditional Japanese futon or American futon mattress. Here are the main differences between the two: 

  • Japanese futon. It’s a very thin mattress that you can easily lay down on the floor, fold and put away when not needed. 
  • American futon. American futon mattresses are thicker. In most cases, they’re constructed of springs, foam and cotton, and can be laid either directly onto the floor or onto the frame. 

When it comes to the futon mattress sizes, they might slightly vary depending on the provider, however, traditional futon sizes look like this: 

  • Twin - 39” x 75”
  • Full - 54” x 75” 
  • Queen - 60” x 80” 
  • King - 76” x 80” 

Therefore, the sizes are almost the same as the regular mattresses, thus, you shouldn’t find it difficult to decide on the measurements that you need. 

Talking about the materials, as I already mentioned futon mattresses are usually filled with cotton and foam. However, if it’s the best futon mattress that we’re talking about, you might find models that are filled with wool. 

Now that you know all the necessary information to find the best futon mattress for yourself, let’s move to the most recommended options. 

1. DHP Futon Mattress

Ranks #1 out of 7 Mattresses

The DHP futon mattress is 8 inches thick. The mattress is designed using high-quality foam and polyester that are layered between independently encased coils. The cover is made of microfiber. 

The mattress foam is made without PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (“Tris”) flame retardants, ozone depleters, mercury, lead and heavy metals. What is more, it’s low in VOC emissions, meaning that there will be very minimal off-gassing once you open it up. 

DHP deserves to be called the best futon mattress not only due to high-quality materials that make it really durable but also because, according to the customers, it’s really supportive and provides equal weight distribution. 

The price of the DHP 8-inches thick full-size mattress is about $240 on Amazon.

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2. Serta Sycamore Futon Mattress

Ranks #2 out of 7 Mattresses

Serta Sycamore is an 8-inch thickness mattress that’s designed out of 2 layers of convoluted foam and 4-inch cotton/polyester fiber padding. The mattress is soft, however, sleepers say that it’s also supportive, which is especially great for stomach sleepers. 

The mattress is designed using CertiPUR-US certified foams. Meaning that it’s made without ozone depleters, flame retardants, and heavy metals. That’s why it’s one of the best futons you can get. 

Serta Sycamore offers a medium firm feel, it’s comfortable and easy to move. The pricing of this mattress is about $200 on Amazon. 

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3. Classic Brands Futon Mattress

Ranks #3 out of 7 Mattresses

Classic Brands offer an 8-inch thick futon mattress that’s designed using an individually-wrapped coil innerspring system. As you know, pocketed coils can be really durable and not as noisy compared to traditional ones. 

This futon mattress is also designed using high-quality foam and polyester cover together with foam layering. What people like the most about it is that you can easily clean it, which makes it great for guests. 

What is more, you can fold this mattress without much effort. Therefore, you can easily store it when not needed. The pricing of Classic Brands futon is about $170 on Amazon, so it’s one of the best futon mattresses when it comes to price-quality ratio. 

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4. Nirvana Futons Mattress

Ranks #4 out of 7 Mattresses

Nirvana Futons offer a 10-inches thick futon mattress that can be used on any standard futon frame or platform bed. It’s designed using foam and poly-cotton. Since it’s covered with natural tufted twill, the mattress internal material does not shift or clump. 

What is more, it’s made of natural cotton and poly blend, so you shouldn’t sleep too warm. What is more, since it’s box stitched, you can expect longevity and durability. Also, you get a three-year manufacturer’s warranty that will protect you in case any manufacturing flaws appear. 

Nirvana Futons mattress comes in multiple color and size options, thus, you can easily adapt it based on your needs. 

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5. Mozaic Futon Mattress

Ranks #5 out of 7 Mattresses

Mozaic futon mattress comes in multiple sizes and color options. That being said, you can easily choose a smaller size if you want to use it only occasionally for guests, or bigger size if you’re looking for the best futon mattress for sleeping nightly. What is more, a suitable color can complement your interior. 

This futon mattress is designed using foam and cotton blend, the cover is made of durable cotton fabric. You can use it on any regular futon frame or mattress base. 

Based on the customer reviews, this futon mattress sleeps comfortable enough for guests and looks really good as a sofa. Thus, it’s definitely a great alternative. 

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6. Artiva USA Home Deluxe Futon Mattress

Ranks #6 out of 7 Mattresses

Artiva USA offers an 8-inch thickness mattress with inner springs. The mattress is quite durable and offers good support. That said, it’s great for back sleepers, however, I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re experiencing chronic back pain.

The mattress is designed using foam and cotton, which is very common in futon mattresses. The cover is made of cotton featuring a 23-lace tufting. Artiva futon mattress is medium firm, meaning that the majority of sleepers will find it comfortable. 

The only issue that many customers noticed is that it’s very difficult to wash it in case any spills appear. You can see everything on the material. Hence, while it might be quite durable, you shouldn’t expect it to stay good-looking for long. 

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7. Kodiak Futon Lounger

Ranks #7 out of 7 Mattresses

Kodiak Futon Lounger comes together with two pillows. The covers are designed using 100% polyester blend, while the mattress itself is made of 80% blended cotton and 20% polyurethane. 

When it comes to the pros, the Kodiak Futon Lounger is easily foldable and moveable. It’s perfect for college dorms, bedroom studio apartments or guest rooms. Customers say that it’s really soft. 

On the other hand, it may not provide you with the needed support. So, if you’re looking for the best futon mattress for sleeping on a daily basis, I wouldn’t recommend it. Also, based on some reviews, the color might stain your sheets. 

The pricing of Kodiak Futon Lounger is about $170 on Amazon. It comes in multiple colors. 

Now that I provided you with the best futons, let’s move further.

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Who Shouldn’t Choose Futon Mattresses? 

The best futon mattresses can be really comfortable, however, they’re not the same as top-tier mattresses that provide you with the most amazing qualities. 

While some of you may not notice any major issues when sleeping on a futon mattress nightly, people who experience chronic back, neck, or hip pain, should definitely consider other alternatives. They don’t have to be expensive as well. 

People who experience back pain should look for a supportive mattress that would also be able to alleviate the pain. Most commonly, it’s recommended to stay away from memory foam mattresses and consider either innerspring or hybrid mattresses, such as Saatva, Helix or Purple. 

When it comes to the best mattresses for hip pain, it’s recommended to consider memory foam, latex or hybrid beds. The brands that you might want to take a look at are Puffy, Nectar and Purple. 

Thus, even if you’re looking for the best futon mattress for sleeping, you should consider all the aspects before purchasing to make the right decision. If you’re attracted to futon mattresses due to the attractive pricing, you should know that there are so many comfortable top-tier mattresses that offer a better price-quality ratio. 

Conclusions

Therefore, as promised, I introduced you to the best futons. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a multifunctional product that can be used not only as a bed but also as a sofa.

Futon mattresses are a great alternative for guest bedrooms. They’re usually foldable and, thus, do not require a lot of space. While futon mattresses tend to be really inexpensive, which attracts many sleepers, they’re not as comfortable as top-tier mattresses and are not recommended for people who are experiencing chronic pain. 

However, if you stick with futon mattresses, then you should consider these three options: 

I hope this article was helpful and you managed to find the best futon mattress for yourself!

FAQ

What are the futon mattress sizes?

When it comes to sizes, futon mattresses are very similar to the traditional ones. Here's the list for the standard futon mattress sizes:

  • Twin - 39” x 75”
  • Full - 54” x 75” 
  • Queen - 60” x 80” 
  • King - 76” x 80” 

Can you sleep on a futon every night?

You can sleep on futon mattress every night, however, it's not recommended, especially if you suffer from health issues, such as chronic back pain. Futons are perfect for guests and can be also used as a sofa. However, if you want to improve the quality of your sleep, you should consider top-tier mattresses that offer multiple benefits.

How to choose the best mattress for me?

When choosing the best mattress for yourself, there are a few important factors that you should consider. First of all, what type of mattress do you need? The most traditional mattresses are memory foam, innerspring and latex, but there are other options, too. Secondly, think about how much you can spend on a mattress, but remember it doesn’t mean that the mattress is better if it’s more expensive. Furthermore, pick a size and firmness depending on your preferences. Finally, think about your sleeping position, it will also influence your decision.

How much does a good mattress cost?

Mattress price usually varies depending on a few factors, such as mattress type, size, height, quality of the material and durability. Today the price of a mattress can vary from $150 to $7000. However, you can find a good mattress for under $1000. The average pricing of a foam mattress is about $900 dollars, innerspring $950. These are the least expensive mattresses. However, if you can afford more expensive ones, you can consider a hybrid mattress for about $1,650, latex - about $2,000.

What size mattress should I get?

Most mattress providers offer 6 standard sizes, including Twin, Twin XL, Full/Double, Queen, King, and California King. A Twin mattress is great for children or young adults who live alone. A Twin XL mattress is great for children or single adults but not comfortable for couples. A Full/Double bed is excellent for children and couples, however, it won’t work if both people like to have more space. Queen mattresses work great for adults who like to sleep near each other. A King bed is amazing for couples who like to have some space or sleep with a pet. Finally, a California King mattress is amazing for tall people and couples who like to have space or sleep with their pets.

How long does a mattress last? When should you replace your mattress?

Mattress durability depends on the materials that were used to make it. The average lifespan of a mattress varies from 7 to 10 years. However, good quality mattresses can last even longer. It is recommended to replace your mattress every 8 years, but if it still feels great, there’s no need. If you want to buy a mattress that lasts longer than average, you should consider latex or memory foam mattresses. These can serve up to 10 or 15 years while Innerspring mattresses usually last about 7-8 years.