Choosing Futon Mattress Covers
Choosing a suitable futon mattress cover often gets overlooked by a number of people who are either buying or who already own a futon mattress. I’m not sure whether this is because there are just so many futon slipcovers to choose from that they feel overwhelmed or if they simply do not know what to look for in a futon cover. Hopefully this post helps shed some guidance on the matter.
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.
