A traditional Japanese futon mattress is anywhere from 2 to 4 inches thick and is normally made with staple cotton which is by far the most expensive type of cotton due mainly to its strength and its tendency to hold it’s shape better. These futon mattresses are designed to provide excellent body support but may not have enough softness or comfort for the average westerner. The futons are made thinner as well so that they can be folded up in the morning and put away in the closet each day (to conserve space). It’s also customary for the Japanese to hang their futons outside in the sun to air them out, kill off any bacteria, and allow any moisture to escape that may have built up during the night.

You probably can guess that I have a bit of a bias for the traditional Japanese futon mattress. However, I am also the first to admit the aren’t for everyone and are no where nearly as popular as the more common thicker futon mattresses we have in North America and throughout most of Europe. As such, I’ll be devoting the the rest of this post to what we gaijin (foreigners) know as futon mattresses.

The first thing you should know about futons is that they come in pretty much every standard mattress size available. There’s the classic single futon mattress, full, queen, and even kind size futons. Probably the most common size is the single futon as these are a common choice for students, single adults, and pretty much anyone who wants a cheap comfortable, and space saving bed.

After you’ve decided on size, you’ll want to choose the futon thickness, and type of filling that best suits your needs. If you visit any reputable futon company, they’ll likely have at least a few different options for you as far as what’s inside the mattress. Essentially, the vast majority of futon mattresses are filled with a combination of foam and cotton. It’s not as simple as that however; more specifically you’ll need decide what type of cotton and foam are you looking for as well as how many layers of each.

As mentioned earlier, the best part of cotton for a futon mattress is staple cotton so if you’re looking for a premium futon and price is no object, I wouldn’t consider anything else. In reality however, many people are completely fine with the more common high-loft linter cotton used in most futon mattresses today. One very important aspect to do with the cotton however is that it be precompressed cotton. If the cotton is not precompressed, it’s likely to lose its shape flatten down over time.

The other vital factor in a good futon mattress is the foam and more specifically how many layers of it compared to the cotton as well as its density. The foam is such an important element in the western futon as it serves to stabilize the mattress, helps keep its shape, and prevent the cotton from getting lumpy or bunching up. I personally find one good quality layer of high density foam in between two layers of cotton to be sufficient but then again I personally prefer a very firm mattress. If you are aiming for a softer mattress, you may wish to go with two or more layers of foam. The most important thing about the foam however is that it be high density and when I say that I mean at least 1.5 lbs per cubic feet.

Once you’ve decided on a mattress, you’ll probably want to choose a good futon mattress cover. Futon mattress covers come in a variety of colors, thicknesses, and of course sizes. Most of them are machine washable (check the label) and can easily be zipped on and off. When deciding on a futon cover by all means choose a color and style that suits your tastes. However, assuming the main function of your futon mattress is for a bed and not a futon sofa or chair, I will say that the material of futon mattress covers should be a natural breathable material like cotton or linen. Why? Simply, you don’t want moisture being built up in your mattress; that’s a breeding ground for mold and mildew which is the last thing you want lurking your bed.

You’ll need to find a good futon frame that can well support your futon mattress…or do you? I say this because the Japanese don’t actually use frames at all. Instead they place the futon directly on tatami which is essentially flooring made of woven straw. For the rest of us though, you’re going to need a decent futon frame. Essentially there are two main choices when it comes to frames; metal futon frames and wood futon frames. I personally prefer a wooden futon frame mainly because it is a natural material and will typically last longer than it’s metal counterpart. The most important factors in a futon mattress frame is the type of wood it’s made of (pine, maple, ash,birch, or oak are ideal), the width of the slats (at least 3 inches), the distance between each slat (less then 3 inches), and the overall quality and sturdiness of it’s construction.

Lastly, make sure you choose a reputable futon company to purchase from. Look for companies that specialize in futon mattresses and that actually know what makes a good mattress. You might be tempted to just go with a cheap futon from a discount store but believe me, it’s worth to spend a little bit more to get a way better quality mattress that can last you for decades.

Organic

For those individuals who are eco-minded like myself, futon mattresses come in a wide range of organic choices. Natural cotton and wool mattress pads are created from renewable resources. A soy based foam core provides support with yet another renewable resource, proving that one need not sacrifice comfort in order to reduce one’s carbon footprint. As these are all-natural fibers, when the useful lifespan of the mattress is over, the mattress is biodegradable and will not take up room in a landfill.

Organic futon covers complete the eco-friendly ensemble without sacrificing comfort or beauty. Natural woven bamboo is an excellent choice, coming in a range of soft, creamy shades. Pure cotton with a high-thread count looks beautiful in its natural cream, or it can be dyed into any pattern or hue with a variety of natural dyes and water-based pigments.

Comfortable

One of the most important things to ensure is that the futon sofa bed has a sturdy and supporting frame. Traditional beds have a mattress and box springs to support the weight. Futons do not. The frame should be solid and have a sufficient number of slats to provide adequate support and prevent the mattress from sagging.  If you are aiming to use the futon sofa more as a bed and less as a functioning sofa, consider one that either has no arms or has removable arms. This style will feel more like a regular bed and less like a child’s crib with the sides raised.

Futon sofa beds also offer a number of different settings. In addition to sitting and sleeping, many futons are adjustable in set increments to allow for reclining. Additionally, ensure that the futon fits into the space allocated for it yet is also suitable for the individual using it. People accustomed to sleeping on a king size mattress will not be very comfortable on a futon that opens up to the size of an army cot.

Functional

A futon sofa bed should very easily convert from a futon mattress into a futon couch within seconds. That being said, some can be finicky or downright difficult for the average person to maneuver which to me defeats the whole convenience of having a futon couch in the first place. Thus, if you’re able to view one in a local store, try converting it from bed to sofa and vice versa; if it doesn’t convert easily, move on to another model that does.  The last thing a tired person needs at the end of a long day is to struggle with a recalcitrant futon. Also, regarding placement, ensure the futon has plenty of clearance from the wall or that the futon is designed to pull away from the wall to prevent any accidental damage from occurring.

Lastly if storage space is at a premium, look for a futon couch that has built in storage compartments. Many futon sofas are adroit at concealing additional storage with compartments or magazine racks in the armrests and sometimes even under the sofa.

Here are some important questions you should ask to make sure you choose the futon bunk bed that is right for you, without any regrets in the future.

1. “How sturdy is the frame?”

Safety is a number one priority when looking for a bed that you can trust for yourself and your loved ones, especially in the case of children. Search for models designed and engineered to guarantee it won’t break after assembly. If you’re visiting a local store, check the joints to make sure they are solid. The frame should be durable and sturdy, and even have a heavy duty feel to it. These are all signs of a quality, reliable support. If you’re still concerned, check to see if the bed was tested independently in laboratories to meet the mandatory safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

2. “Does it match the room?”

When shopping for a bunk bed with futon, one of the first things that may surprise and perhaps overwhelm you is the wide variety of styles and designs that are available. You will find beds with a combination of built-in ladders and rails. As models are commonly made for a multitude of different people, you may have to spend some time looking around for one that suits your tastes. You will need to choose a color scheme, frame style, and material that accommodates the room you plan to use it in.

3. “Who will use the bed?”

You can now find both full and twin futon bunk beds for all ages – children, teenagers, and adults. Consider who will use the bed the most. Is it for your children? If so, how old are they? Do you intend to use it for their sleepover parties? Another ideal use is for guests who come over for either a brief or lengthy visit, in which case you may be better off choosing a bed size that is full-size as opposed to one for kids. Be clear about whom the bed is for and you will find it easier to narrow down your choices.

4. “Is it easy to fold?”

Often times you will find a model that is perfect for both your room and for those who will use it, but then you may discover that it isn’t the easiest to fold. This may be fine with you if you don’t plan on folding the futon into a bed that often, but for many people this is one of the main reasons they set out to buy a futon bunk bed to begin with. If you’ve found a design that you’ve fallen in love with, make sure that it can easily be adjusted back and forth from a futon sofa to a bed.

5. “Is the mattress included?”

You’ll never see pictures of futon bunk beds without the futon mattress on top, but oddly enough many times when you actually purchase it you will find that the mattress isn’t included. Often, companies will offer the mattress at a discounted price along with your purchase. If you’re ordering from an online store and choose not to buy a mattress with the bed, make sure you double check to see if that mattress type is available locally. Usually models feature a twin size bed on top and a lower full size futon bed on the bottom, but it’s still a good idea to contact the company and verify before buying.

6. “Is it easy to assemble?”

Depending on your experience, you may want to ask for some help when it’s time to assemble your bed. There are both wood and metal futon bunk bed frames which can make them quite heavy. Sometimes the company will include tools with the bed, but you may find that these tools just simply don’t work as easy as your own so don’t feel that you must use their tools unless clearly indicated. Assembly is usually not too difficult, unless the instructions are poorly written or the bed has manufacturing errors such as holes drilled to the wrong size.

7. “How will it be delivered?”

Whether you’re ordering from an online store or a local outlet, it’s important to check the credibility of the company responsible for delivering your futon bunk bed. After so much shopping around for your new bed, the last thing you want is to have it delivered with scratches and dents.

It’s also important (to some, not all) to have the appropriate design that matches and fits into the living space the futon will eventually occupy. Make sure you do the measurements and ask yourself what type of design or color best fits your personal tastes. Do as much as or as little as you like to meet your futon needs, but please, understand what those needs are first.

Money is often the most important thing to consider when purchasing something for your home but lets not try to make this too difficult of a purchase. Based on your needs, set yourself a reasonable budget that can still offer you a decent futon mattress and stick to it! Now that you know exactly what it is you need and what are looking for, you can start searching for that futon.

There are several different places to look for good quality cheap futon mattresses but finding the right places may be a task in itself. Here are a few tips that should make your futon shopping experience more pleasurable and efficient:

Buy Online – I find browsing a good online store like Amazon is an excellent way to narrow your search. You can check prices, read reviews, gain knowledge on what makes a good futon (hopefully you’ve found this here!), get an overall better perspective on what’s out there, and even buy one right online. Either way, a great medium for the hunt and probably the most efficient.

Buy Used – Sometimes finding the right new futon at the right price is difficult. Buying a lightly used futon can be a great alternative. You could ask your friends or family if they know of anyone selling one or look for one at yard sales, thrift stores, newspaper classifieds, or sites that sell used furniture. Buying used could end up saving you a lot of money but be sure to exercise caution and know exactly what you’re buying.  Most important is the age of the futon (ideally less than 2 years old), how often it was used, whether it was exposed to pets, and whether it was kept in a well ventilated area.

Furniture Stores – Often times new furniture stores have storage rooms with previous models or discount futon inventory. Ask the furniture salesman if they have anything you could look at. There just might be something waiting for you behind closed doors. There’s also discount furniture stores that sell only discount items that still might be of great quality. Look online to find out just where these stores are and see if they have something that fits your needs. Some furniture stores may also negotiate a price, let you lease or even make monthly payments if the product is not in your immediate price range.

Places to Avoid – When looking for a quality futon for an affordable price, there will be places that do not meet the quality criteria. For example, you should avoid large box stores when buying large pieces of furniture including futons. Furniture from large chain stores can often suffer from poor design, be very uncomfortable, and be generally low in quality. They may seem like good value at the time but in the long run will wind up costing you more as you’ll likely need to replace it after a few years.  So do yourself a favor and don’t waste your time or money at these places.  Remember as well to consider the cost of gasoline to get to some of these stores; don’t drive 200 miles to get a deal on a $200 futon!

Hopefully this post helps outline the fact that while a finding a decent affordable futon is good, buying one just because it’s cheap is not.  Consider all the factors involved before laying down your hard-earned cash.  You might think you’re saving money buying a cheap futon mattress but if the quality isn’t there, you’ll be kicking yourself for years to come instead what you should be doing: sleeping.

The best futon companies will carry most, if not all of the various types of futon mattresses available from traditional cotton futons to innerspring futon hybrids. Since futons are often used as designer pieces, the futon covers also come in a myriad of materials such as leather, cotton, polyester, and micro fiber. A good futon mattress company should be asking what type of material you prefer and whether or not that fits with how it will be used.  For example, if you’ll be primarily using your futon as a sleeping surface, it’s best to choose a breathable fabric like organic cotton.  On the other hand if it will be used primarily as a futon sofa, a more rugged material like leather is a much better choice. The futon supplier should also be asking you whether a soft or firm mattress is preferred, as there are various fillings and thicknesses available that will dictate the firmness of the futon. You’ll probably find that since most of the futons are designed to support the skeletal frame, they are especially beneficial for individuals with back and other skeletal issues.

You will also probably discover, as with any futon supplier, that there are major differences in price, depending on the size, thickness, and filling of a futon mattress which only a knowledgeable futon seller can help determine. In order to find the right fit for any individual, several different factors need to be considered and are important in order to guarantee long term satisfaction. The average person spends about 50 hours a week in bed so it is vital to determine whether the futon is going to be used as a permanent sleeping solution or to be placed into a guest room, or equivalent. One must also consider that price will play a major role in the overall quality of the mattress. Of course, there are several different, cheaper options out there, which can be considered as a short-term solution but these cheap futons should only be reserved for occasional sleeping arrangements.

Lastly, if in your search you do end up visiting a physical futon store in your area, you as the customer should be encouraged to lie down on the various futon mattresses in all the different sleeping positions you might lie in, such as the side, back, and stomach to make sure the futon feels right on every level.  All in all, a good company will know these types of beds well enough to read the customers needs and be able to point every individual to their own perfect fit.  Of course if you have already done your research and are well-versed in what makes a good futon mattress, ordering one from a reputable online futon company is also a great option.

Cotton Futon Mattress
This mattress is your traditional futon mattress filled with cotton with a cotton cover. It is a firm mattress but can easily fold to form a love seat or sofa. It often comes with a wooden frame that can be folded into a sofa also. The cotton mattress can be prone to moisture, especially from your body heat while you sleep and thus requires airing out in a well ventilated room. To prevent lumping, rotating and flipping the mattress every few weeks is also recommended.

Cotton & Foam Futon Mattress
This is the most popular futon mattress because it holds its form better than the 100% cotton mattress and yet is still very affordable. It essentially allows for a good sleeping experience while still being firm and holding shape. The core is made up of layers of foam which is surrounded by a cotton batting. The more foam layers there are, the softer the mattress will be. The shape of this mattress will hold for about twelve years before it needs to be replaced.

Wool Futon Mattress
The wool futon mattress is not very common because many people (myself included) have allergies to wool. Still, wool is a natural insulator, which makes this futon mattress eco-friendly and better in cooler climates. These mattresses also have foam cores since wool alone does not hold it’s shape well.  You’ll definitely need to get a futon mattress cover as well since wool tends to be very absorbent. This mattress requires the same amount, if not more maintenance as the cotton mattresses.

Polyester Foam Mattress
Typically, the less cotton in the bedding, the longer it will last. This holds true for synthetic fabrics such as polyester. Polyester provides the support and firmness that a person would want in a futon mattress. It contains a foam core with a single layer of cotton around the foam to provide softness. This mattress can support all body types because they are very resilient and can hold their shape for a very long time. The mattress is lightweight and is made for everyday use. It should be flipped and rotated about every three months.

Futon with Innerspring Futon Mattress
This mattress resembles a typical box spring mattress. It comes in all sizes from a twin up to a king, whereas most other futon mattresses only come in sizes up to a queen. Within the mattress are springs which are encased with several layers of foam. It does not fold up and is only designed for sleeping purposes. This mattress is much bulkier than others and is also more expensive. It will last as long as a typical commercial mattress and it requires light maintenance which includes being flipped and rotated about every six months.

As with most products, the price will be reflected in the design and quality of the materials. However, with futons the lesser the quality of material, the less you will want to use it for sleeping purposes. Cheap cotton futons do best as sofas or as a guest bed. If you want a futon for your permanent sleeping surface however, the other options listed are a better choice.

So which one do I prefer?  Well as a traditionalist I actually prefer either a high quality staple cotton futon or a cotton and foam futon which actually gives you the best of both worlds; the natural fiber of cotton and the high density foam for longer lasting durability and support.

Futon mattress frames come in two main varieties, the wood futon frame and the metal futon frame.  As a naturalist I personally prefer a wooden frame but there are a large variety of good metal frames available on the market as well so you need not follow my personal preference. If you go for a wooden frame, choose a solid wood like a pine, ash, oak, birch, or maple.  These are all strong sturdy woods that will serve your futon well for many years.  Alternatively, if you prefer a metal frame, you’ll probably be more limited in the choice of material as most metal frames are made of steel (painted or stainless) though the pricier ones are sometime made of aluminum.

Probably the most important aspect of a futon bed frame are the slats.  When considering the futon frame’s slats remember what I like to call the “rule of 3″.  Essentially the slats need to ideally be at least 3 inches wide (2.5 at the very least) and should be no greater than 3 inches apart.  If you don’t stick to this rule, you’ll probably find your futon mattress will wear much more quickly and won’t be as comfortable due to the lack of support.  In addition to the slats, you may find some of the better futon frames have slat stress supports which look like thin boards underneath the slats that help reinforce them for even greater support.  Whatever type of frame you choose however, be sure to stay clear away from metal frames that use round bars as slats as these provide very little if any support for your mattress.

In addition to the slats, you’ll want to look at the overall construction of the futon frame and whether there is evidence of good workmanship.  For metal frames, check the welds for sturdiness and look for any signs of poor metalworking.  With wooden frames be sure to check how the pieces of wood are connected together and look for any cracks that might weaken its structure.  In general, it’s best to look for frames with morits and tennon construction as this type of joinery will increase the overall strength of your frame and its lifespan.  Also, many futon companies are now adding various stress supports which typically come in the form of metal brackets and support beams.  These stress supports can help make the bed frame stronger and that much more durable, thus increasing its longevity.  In particular check for the existence of angle brackets in your frame.  Angle brackets reinforce a joint and help support the various weights exerted on your frame.  Striker plates are also beneficial for futon bed frames that transform into a sofa or chair as they protect the wood that is exposed to rubbing.  Without these metal plates, the wood can start to wear and weaken especially if you are transforming your bed to its furniture form often.

Finally, there comes the topic of the warranty which can range widely from 90 days all they way up to 10 years and sometimes even longer.  Like any type of merchandise, with all other things being equal, the longer the warranty, the longer the company expects their frame to last, and thus the better the overall quality and craftsmanship.  If you choose a good quality futon frame and mattress with a decent warranty and all the other aspects I’ve discussed, there’s no reason why your frame couldn’t last well past 15 years or more.  Just like the futon mattress, it’s always better not to skimp and buy a cheap futon frame but instead get something you’re going to be happy with for years to come.

Though it may sound overtly obvious, probably the most important aspect in buying a futon mattress cover is getting the correct size. That’s easy you might say; a full futon cover is for a full futon mattress and a queen futon cover is for a queen futon mattress. Well, unfortunately it’s not always that simple.  Though the futon manufacturers normally make their covers based on the standard mattress sizes, it’s not uncommon for them to be out an inch or two and sometimes even 3 or 4! The main reason for these variances is due to the thickness of each mattress. The length and width might match up but the thickness of futon mattresses can range widely from 3 inches all the way up to 8 inches or more. Also, if your futon mattress was custom made or is from a smaller company it may not meet the standard mattress dimensions. Thus, it’s really important to know the exact measurements of both your futon mattress and the futon cover prior to buying. To be on the safe, ensure there is a return policy at the store you purchase the cover from so you can easily exchange it if need be.

The next critical factor for deciding on suitable futon slipcovers is the material they are made from.  Some people just go for cheap futon covers regardless of the material they are made from but I personally feel this is a mistake.  Instead, be willing to spend a little bit more to get a quality fabric that best suits your needs.  There are essentially two main types of futon cover materials; covers made with natural fibers (cotton, linen, wool, hemp, bamboo) and those made with synthetic fibers (nylon, polyester, rayon, and acrylic). Knowing which type of material to choose really depends on the main purpose of the futon.

If it’s predominately to serve as a couch or sofa, you’d probably want to go with a synthetic fiber such as micro fiber that is not only very durable but spill resistant as well. But if you are mainly using your futon mattress as a bed, I highly recommend you go with a natural fiber like an organic cotton. The main reason for this is a natural fiber breathes much easier than a synthetic one and is also more likely to be hypo allergenic for those people with allergies. Another thing to note about futon cover fabrics however is whether they are machine washable or dry clean only. Futon covers that are machine washable are obviously a lot more convenient than those that aren’t. Be careful though; I’ve often heard of futon covers shrinking in the wash (especially those made of cotton) so much that they no longer fit on the mattress! So be sure to check labels very carefully.

Lastly, and especially if your futon mattress will be used as a sofa or chair, you’ll want to consider a suitable color and pattern. The best way to do this is to consider the rest of the décor in the room where your futon will be sitting and match accordingly. One practical piece of advice I’d like to give though is to buy a darker color over a lighter tone especially if you have kids or pets as stains show much easier on a white cover than a darker color. Of course if your futon mattress is for a bed, white or natural cotton color is perfectly fine and in fact preferred.