9 Best Futon Mattresses Reviews and Guide
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Good Futon Mattress?
Those who need or want to change their bedding completely can turn to the futon. This is a mattress that is today attached to Japanese culture and has its origins in India. It is interesting to remember that futon means mattress in Japanese. The main difference between its traditional models is that it contains several layers of cotton. It can be installed on any type of furniture, box spring, tatami or on the floor. If you are looking for a mattress for your bedroom, then this might be a good fit.
Quick Summary
1. Editor’s Choice – MAXYOYO Futon Mattress
2. Most Comfortable – DHP 8 Inch Cobalt Futon Mattress
3. Best All-Foam Springless Futon – Otis Bed 8″ Moonshadow Futon
4. Best Futon Mattress With Pocket Coil – DHP 8 Inch Tan Microfiber Coil Futon Mattress
5. Best Floor Futon Mattress – EMOOR Japanese Futon Mattress
6. Best Flame Retardant Futon – D&D Futon Furniture Traditional Japanese/Thai Futon Mattress
7. Best Japanese Futon – Shiki Futon by Fuli
8. Best Value for Money – DHP 6 Inch Microfiber Futon Mattress
9. Most Easy to Maintain – Mainstay Memory Foam Futon
Editor Picks Futon Mattresses Reviews
1. Editor’s Choice – MAXYOYO Futon Mattress
MAXYOYO’s Futon Mattress is a tatami sleeping mat that is easy to roll up and use. The sleeping pad is created from 100% microfiber cotton cover material and is 4 inches thick. The craftsmanship that went into its hemming is excellent.
The cotton is held in place and does not bunch up. The top layer of the mattress cover is soft to the touch. It has multiple applications and can be used as a mattress topper or as a bedroom seat.
The MAXYOYO futon is comfortable and the cover is easy to maintain. It can be cleaned with a damp washcloth. The futon mattress has a cotton filling that is naturally breathable and ensures that sweat and moisture are wicked away through the mattress due to the breathability of this cotton. It is advisable to vacuum the mattress frequently to keep it perfectly breathable and washable.
2. Most Comfortable – DHP 8 Inch Cobalt Futon Mattress
The DHP 8-inch Spring Futon Mattress is by far the highest-rated futon mattress on the market. It features 522 individually wrapped coils and gives the futon the feel of a regular mattress.
Layers of polyester and foam are placed on each side of the coils. The foams used are CertiPUR US certified and free of harmful flame retardants and emissions. This futon mattress is suitable for those who prefer a full-size frame to a queen bed. Although not ideal for two, the mattress can be used by two people as it is smaller than a queen bed.
Heavier-than-average users say the mattress is very dense, but they can’t feel the coils through the bed. Customers also report that the mattress does not lose its shape or sag over time. The slight gassing smell will disappear in a few days. It also comes with a 1-year warranty.
3. Best All-Foam Springless Futon – Otis Bed 8″ Moonshadow Futon
Another popular option is the Otis Moonshadow 8-inch bed. It is the best-selling mattress from Otis Bed. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for an all-foam springless mattress. This mattress, which is considered plush, measures 8 inches in height and provides comfort and support.
The mattress provides higher density and support. The cover is made from 213 grams of twill fabric, strong enough to withstand the pressure of packing that much foam in an area that is 8 inches high.
The middle section of the mattress is made of egg carton-style corrugated high-density foam. Otis Bed futon mattresses are made to last and are guaranteed for 10 years.
4. Best Futon Mattress with Pocket Coil – DHP 8 Inch Tan Microfiber Coil Futon Mattress
The DHP Futon Mattress is 8 inches high although not as high as a regular mattress, but it still feels like a real mattress. It comes with a microfiber mattress topper and is available in full size. This mattress is very easy to clean and available in a variety of colors. Many users describe it as firm. It doesn’t seem to sink and the pocket springs are strong and resilient.
The DHP 20cm Futon Mattress is a good choice for you if a firm mattress is what you want. The bed is described as dense with supportive coils that are individually wrapped between layers of foam. This bed isn’t too hard but it doesn’t give the feel of sinking in.
The bed is ideal for those who love the feel of a spring mattress. It’s the most popular option for those who balk at the idea of an all-foam mattress.
5. Best Floor Futon Mattress – EMOOR Japanese Futon Mattress
For something different, the EMOOR Traditional Japanese Futon Mattress is a great choice for anyone looking for a traditional Japanese-style frameless futon bed.
It’s an age-old Japanese tradition to sleep on the floor. Many people with back problems find that sleeping on the floor is better for them. This Japanese-style futon allows you to sleep on the floor and has a mattress that folds up for easy storage.
The EMOOR mattress was made in Japan and measures just over 2.5 inches. It is also very light and very thin, but don’t let that fool you. This bed is very popular in Asia, and it is even comfortable when placed on a wooden floor.
6. Best Flame Retardant Futon – D&D Traditional Thai/Japanese Futon Mattress
Made from cotton fleece, the Japanese/Thai futon mattress is made in the USA and contains a polyester cover. The D&D futon can be wrapped. It can be efficiently used in the living room and easily stored. Besides, it’s easily movable and the cover can be removed for washing.
The square futon mat can be used for sleeping on the floor but can be used for multiple purposes, including for meditation.
The 3-inch thick D&D futon mattress weighs just 15 lbs and contains 90% cotton and 5% polyester. Aimed at space-saving shoppers, the item can be easily packed away for storage.
7. Best Japanese Futon – Shiki Futon by Fuli
This is a traditional Japanese-styled futon made by Fuli. Manufactured and handcrafted in Japan, the Fuli Shiki futon consists of 3 cotton and polyester layers.
The outer cover, however, is made from 100% cotton that is breathable. It absorbs moisture while drying quickly. It is an ideal feature to watch out for if you are in a hot climate or sleep warm.
Just like most mattresses, the futon would need to be ventilated for a couple of days before it can reach full height. The Fuli brand is highly rated by customers. However, it does not offer warranty coverage or a trial period.
8. Best Value for Money – DHP 6 Inch Microfiber Futon Mattress
The DHP futon mattress line includes this 6 inches thick microfiber futon. The microfiber material can be cleaned and washed with a piece of damp cloth. It comes in various types of colors. The futon mattress has a tufted design, a manufacturing technique that ensures the replacement futon can hold its shape.
The DHP Microfiber Futon Mattress has a modern design with tufted details that ensure the mattress keeps its original shape.
The mattress has obtained the Green Guard Golden certification. It’s made with 100% polyester (microfiber) cover using 100% polyester fiberfill. The futon can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
9. Most Easy to Maintain – Mainstay Memory Foam Futon
This memory foam futon combines support and comfort with durability and quality. The futon can be transformed into a sofa bed in seconds. It has foldable armrests that are just another great addition to the futon’s ease of use.
The memory foam futon features a split design that can be converted into a bed from a lounge in moments. The wooden frame behind the memory foam mattress is large and sturdy enough in quality to provide durability for a long time. In addition to this wooden frame, there is also a metal construction that keeps the seat secure and balanced.
The memory foam mattress maintains its original shape and is comfortable. The arms are convertible and can be folded up to save space.
The mattress has a black suede cover that can be cleaned. This item comes with a free cleaning cloth which is free.
Top 9 Factors to Consider When Buying a Futon Mattress
Many brands offer this type of bedding accessory on the market. The key is to know how to choose them. To help you, we have prepared a buying guide on how to get the best products at the moment and for you.
1. Shikibuton, Zabuton, Zafu or Turkish Bean Bag?
The term futon is used to denote stylish pieces such as Kakibushi, Shikibuton, Zabuton, Zafu, and Turkey futon. We will talk about the characteristics of each model throughout this section.
Shikibuton Futon
The Shikibuton is the most widely used type, as it replaces the mattress. This model is rectangular and can be dense or malleable. It should be placed on a mat or frame for comfort. Did you know that in Japan, people believe that sleeping close to the ground ensures that the earth absorbs bad energy, renews good energy and provides a more peaceful sleep? The traditional Shikibuton is slim but firm and, along with the lower height of the bed, provides some health benefits. These include better blood circulation, muscle relaxation, and a correct sleeping posture.
Zabuton
The Zabuton has a cushion-like format, which is used on seats, sofas or chairs. This futon style can be made of cotton or fine fabrics like silk and linen.
Zafu Set
The Zafu is also similar to a pad. The big difference is the format. The Zafu is often used as a meditation cushion, which helps maintain balance and good posture.
Turkish Bean Bag
Also called the Turkish bean bag, this is ideal for outdoor use as it can be used directly on the floor. It is thicker than other models. Generally, the coating is made of moisture and heat-resistant materials.
2. Where to Use the Futon?
The futon can be used in various rooms in the house. These can be in the living room, children’s and adult rooms and outdoor areas such as balconies and gardens.
- The living room: In the living room, you can place the futon on a rug or in a wooden frame. In this environment, the futon serves as a sofa. But it does not take up as much space as it is smaller and shorter. A great option for the living room is Kakibushi instead of the sofa. You can also distribute some Zabutons or Zafus on the floor for people to sit on.
- The bedroom: In the bedroom, the futon can serve as a single or double bed if placed on a mat or frame. A futon is also a great option if you generally welcome guests at home.
- The children’s room: In a children’s room, a futon is an excellent option. This is because it gives the child the freedom to move without the risk of falling from heights. It also stimulates learning and observation skills. This is the philosophy of the Montessori method, which suggests replacing the conventional crib. If you want to try the method, it is worth consulting a specialist. For the rooms, we suggest you choose a Shikibuton futon. You will find single or double models.
- For outdoors: In outdoor areas, it is recommended to look for an acrylic-coated waterproof futon. Or at least, you can buy a cover with these characteristics to protect the futon from sunlight and moisture. Our suggestion is to use a Turkish bean bag, developed for outdoor settings. You can also put a Kakibushi to use as a sofa or puff.
3. Size and Thickness
This is also one of the criteria to see before looking to buy a new futon. It is a very important point for the general comfort of your future mattress. Normally, traditional models are made up of various layers of cotton, and the thinner the thickness, the more firmness you will have.
If you want a firm mattress, we recommend that you choose a model that is between 6 cm and 12 cm thick. But before validating your choice, you must first take your body shape into account. For people who are tall and who therefore have a certain weight, it is necessary to opt for a suitable size. On the one hand, and also for a much greater thickness, at least 18 cm is recommended.
As for the width, you will have to choose according to the degree of comfort you want or the number of people who will sleep on it. Prefer a 160 cm x 200 cm product over a 140 cm x 200 cm model if you need space.
4. Composition
As we said earlier, the traditional model is made entirely of cotton, but today there are several possible variants. You can see it made of coconut, latex, bamboo skin or foam. In general, brands do not want to override the basic rules on the composition of this type of product too much to keep their authenticity.
It is therefore likely that you will find futons made of cotton. But in some cases, there are a few additions of layers of other elements, such as coconut, for example. This can be beneficial in terms of comfort, especially during the first contact. The advantage of this type of product is that the raw materials used for its manufacture are renewable.
5. Structure
The structure of the futon varies. There are thinner models, with a thickness of 5 cm and taller than about 15 cm. They are filled with latex to avoid deformations in the structure. The padding can be cotton, foam or synthetic materials. The lining can be made of cotton, polyester, acrylic, and sophisticated fabrics such as silk and linen.
6. Futon Design
You will find futon designs in various styles: flat, geometric, floral, striped, etc. You can mix prints from the same color palette to make the atmosphere stylish.
You can also find templates in a single color pattern:
- White: It gives a neutral touch to the decoration;
- Red: Brings personality to space;
- Blue: Guarantees a modern air;
- Gray: This is an excellent choice for children’s rooms as it hides dirt.
7. Wood vs Metal Material
The futon base can be made of wood, metal, steel, masonry or pallets of different materials. The platform can be adapted to accommodate shelves and drawers to optimize the organization of the room. The pallets are cheaper, but the durability is low. If the platform is complete, the ventilation decreases, and the cleaning and hygiene care are doubled.
8. Futon or Mattress?
The choice between the two is difficult and above all depends on each one. For some, the futon mattress is too much and too firm while others swear by it and for the quality of sleep it provides. The futon is made of cotton, a material that diffuses heat as well as freshness and which offers very good comfort. It is also a mattress that aims to be practical because it can be stored during the day. Hence, it is ideal for those who lack space. If you have persistent back pain, the choice of a futon mattress is wise.
So which one to choose? If you are looking for a comfortable, firm, practical and thin mattress in addition to being healthy, the Japanese futon mattress is great. If you are looking for a mattress that is not very firm and thick, then you should choose a classic mattress. Remember that the futon mattress should normally be positioned close to the floor (on the tatami for example) and that you will, therefore, have to get up, which is not always easy for some people.
9. Value for Money
This last point is quite sensitive, because finding the right value for money is never easy, especially if you have never bought this type of item before.
The quality of manufacture and the materials selected for the composition of the futon count for a lot in the price evolution. A model that includes both cotton and memory foam will cost more than one that is made of just one material. Consulting a price comparison can give you an idea. Besides, there is the practicality of the product. Some can be folded for easier transport while others are convertible. The price range can vary from one brand to another. But, often, it can range from around $30 to $200 and above.
Conclusion
Futon mattresses are a practical and affordable option for students, as well as those who want a sofa that can be converted into a guest bed.
The best futon mattress for you will depend on your personal preferences and how you plan to use the bed. You can use them on a frame, or directly on the ground, depending on your preference.
The futon mattresses we reviewed are lighter than regular mattresses and can be folded up when laid out as sofas. Futons are often double-sided and can be flipped if needed.
The MAXYOYO Futon Mattress is the bestselling futon on the market and is our Editor’s Choice thanks to its versatility, lightness, washability, and affordability. Meanwhile, for those who want a comfortable, full-foam futon mattress, the DHP 8 Inch Cobalt Futon Mattress would be a suitable option.
Comfortable, practical, firm, the futon mattress has a large number of followers. It is a mattress that allows you to sleep differently but always in absolute comfort. But to enjoy it in good conditions, you must first choose it well, guided by the criteria above. Ensure you define your preferences (dimensions, material, thickness, room of use, among others).