We Reviewed the 5 Top-Rated Futon Mattresses You Can Buy Today

Mattresses come in various shapes and sizes. The most common ones you will find or hear about are memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, latex, and air mattresses. Each type provides users with different levels of comfort. One relatively unknown but equally comfortable type of mattress is a futon mattress. Futons have been used in Japan for decades and are a great way to utilize floor space in small homes or make a comfortable and relaxing day bed in a cozy corner.

Perhaps you need additional sleeping space when friends stay over, or you are looking to use your home office as an extra bedroom for an expanding family; futon mattresses have got you covered. Futon mattresses are also known for their ability to alleviate back pain or provide a playing/sitting area for your toddlers. You can utilize a futon mattress in so many different ways.

If you are new to the idea of futon mattresses, we suggest you delve into the world of all things futon and find out what a futon mattress is, what the different types are, and their uses. We will also share a brief history of the futon mattress with you.

What is a Futon Mattress?

A futon is the traditional style of bedding in Japan. A complete futon set consists of a mattress and a duvet. You can fold the mattress and the duvet (comforter) to be stored away during the day and then spread it out before sleeping. They are flexible and easy to store. 

“Futon” is a Japanese word and means a matt or a cushion filled with cotton or leaves. Some Japanese still use a traditional futon with leaves. They fold it daily and air it in the sun to keep it fresh and durable; it helps remove moisture from the mattress.

Brief History

Japanese have been using Futon mattresses for centuries. Americans came to know about it in the early 1900s. The exact year and date are probably unknown. Since the early 20th century, futon mattresses have been sporadically used all over the US. However, its use has increased hugely in the last 5-10 years.  

Futon Mattress Layers

A standard futon mattress is made of three layers. It has a supportive layer at the bottom, a mattress (foam) layer in the middle, and a top layer. The foam layer is sandwiched between the bottom and the top layer.   

Different Types and Uses of Futon Mattress

Japanese Style Futon (Traditional Futon): These are classic futons and are most commonly found online and in mattress shops. It is often used with a floor mat spread below the mattress for additional support and comfort. It also stops the mattress from slipping while you sleep or sit on it. You can easily fold the mattress and store it in a big cupboard. The mattress is lightweight and portable. Traditional futon mattresses are widely used for camping and traveling.  

Western Style Futon: Western-style futons are different from Japanese futons. They are heavy and look like sofas. You can convert the sofa into a bed if the frame is built in that way. 

Platform Bed Futon: A platform bed futon is a single large cushion futon mattress that looks like a bed, but you can fold it when not in use. Most platform bed futons are designed to be laid on the floor and come with additional fillings to make them durable.

Futon Frames

Innovation in the sofa and bed industry has enabled us to enjoy versatile frames. You can convert futon frames into beds and sofas according to your need and utilize maximum floor space. Such frames are lifesavers for people living in small homes and apartments. The most common types are mentioned below.

• Bi-fold Futon Frame
• Trifold Futon Frame
• Loveseat Futon Frame
• Adjustable Arms Futon Frame

The Lifespan Of a Futon Mattress

The average lifespan for a futon mattress is five years. The reason behind this short lifespan is that the futon mattress is regularly folded. Therefore, it can lead to sagging and tearing around corners. Moreover, floor futon mattresses are roughly used and are exposed to wear and tear. To make your mattress last for a long time, follow the care tips mentioned in the article.

Futon Mattress Buying Guide

A futon mattress is generally cheaper than memory foam or an innerspring mattress, but you still need to ensure it lasts for a reasonable amount of time. It is worth highlighting that a high-quality futon mattress lasts up to five years. No one wants to waste their hard-earned money on something that will soon need replacing. Hence, it is better to go through a buying guide before hitting the purchase button.

How to Choose the Right Futon Mattress

When you are buying a mattress online, you don’t have the luxury of physical inspection. It is one of the most significant drawbacks of online mattress shopping, but you can overcome it with the help of a detailed buying guide. Our buying guide consists of all the features you want to consider before purchasing your first futon mattress. So let’s go through it!

Mattress Specifications

Material

Check the materials before buying a futon mattress. Most futon mattresses are made from cotton and foam. However, a few have memory foam or polyurethane under the cotton layers. Mattresses with GREENGUARD GOLD or CertiPUR-US® certification are better than uncertified mattresses. These certifications bring peace of mind and ensure that nothing harmful has been used to make the mattresses. Moreover, these certifications also guarantee durability.   

Size and Compatibility

You will find a futon in different sizes, such as twin, full, queen, or king. Make sure that you have enough space for the mattress to roll it out. If you buy a mattress for a futon frame, confirm that it is compatible with the mattress. Mattress dimensions are usually mentioned in the product description. Be careful while going through such specifications, and don’t confuse them with shipping dimensions.   

Weight

Take into account the weight of the mattress if you plan to carry it with you for camping or other traveling purposes. Traditional futon mattresses usually weigh 8-15 pounds and can be rolled easily to keep it along with your luggage.   

Firmness and Sleeping Position

Firmness is directly related to the sleeping position. For side sleepers, a softer futon mattress is recommended so that your shoulders can sink into the mattress and your neck and spine are relieved from pressure.

Stomach sleepers will need firm futon mattresses. Back sleepers will do great on medium to firm mattresses.  

Aesthetics

Futon mattresses come in different colors. Choose a color that matches your room’s interior. You must go with your favorite color, so you don’t get bored with the mattress anytime soon.  

Purpose

Determine the purpose for which you need the futon mattress. If you want to keep it on a futon frame, buy one specifically designed for frames and according to the type of frame you have. If you’re going to use it as a mattress topper, go for one with a 2-3 inch thickness. For floor and general purposes, a 4-inch thick traditional futon mattress will do great.  

Warranty

Some futon mattresses come with a 1-year warranty, while some brands don’t offer warranties on futon mattresses. Therefore, it is always better to buy a mattress with a warranty and relevant certifications.

Price

A futon mattress will last for 4-5 years. Hence, you must be very careful when investing in one. High-end mattresses offer more features, comfort, and support. But, remember, you get what you pay for, and not all futon mattresses are made equal. 

Mattress Shopping Tips

Physical testing is not available for online shoppers. However, you can consider the following tips to ensure that you buy the best futon mattress.  

• Check the return policies of the brand and online store from where you are purchasing. For example, many brands charge shipping on returns. Hence, it is better to go through these policies before making the purchase.
• Check the delivery info, delivery charges, and delivery time. We don’t want you to keep on waiting for your mattress for weeks.
• Check if the mattress has any certifications and what materials have been used in the making.
• Go through the user reviews and read user feedback related to the purpose of your purchase.

How To Care For Your Futon Mattress

As already stated, a futon mattress lasts for five years at most. Therefore, you need to take care of your futon to make your investment worthwhile and get the most out of it. Below are some easy-to-follow tips on how to care for your mattress.

• Flip your mattress after a week or two so that it doesn’t sag from one side.
• Air it daily or on alternate days to avoid fungal and bacterial infections.
• Do not wash your mattress unless stated by the manufacturer.
• Use a damp cloth or sponge for spot cleaning and stain removal.
• If the mattress gets dusty, use a vacuum cleaner to make it dust-free.
• Make sure that storage space for the futon mattress is large, clean, and dry. In addition, it must be sanitized periodically to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Review of the 5 Top-Rated Futon Mattresses

If you are looking for the best futon mattresses, then you are in the right place. As mattress experts, we have researched futon mattresses and selected the top models in 2021 for you to buy. We have critically evaluated each and every feature, and went through thousands of user reviews so you don’t have to. We have also included a buying guide and an FAQ section to help you make the best purchase decision.

Let’s help you buy the best futon mattress!

1. Futon Mattress 6 inch Tufted

If you are looking for a budget-friendly futon mattress that can fit into a full-size futon frame, then Mainstay is a feasible option. The mattress is GREENGUARD GOLD certified, so you don’t need to worry about the materials used in the making. It is safe for your kids and adults alike.

The tufted design keeps the shape of the mattress intact even after years of use. It is covered by microfiber for added durability and protection against environmental elements. However, some people reject the manufacturer’s claims in their reviews and state that the mattress didn’t last for a long time. It started deforming after 6-7 months.

Please keep in mind that it is not a traditional Japanese-style futon. It is more of a dual-purpose mattress. You can use it on the floor and futon sofa.

Overall, the mattress receives mixed reviews from the customers. They are the people who like the mattress for being lightweight, easily foldable, and highly portable. They can take their mattress anywhere they want. Another factor which attracts buyers is its low price. The mattress is the cheapest among the 5.

However, many buyers (24%) don’t rate this mattress above three stars. This is due to the poor quality of the mattress and its inability to retain its shape. They exclaim how the mattress starts sagging soon after purchase. They bought this mattress thinking it would be a great buy but now feel cheated, probably due to a clever marketing campaign.

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2. Japanese Floor Mattress Futon Mattress

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If you are looking for a traditional futon feel, then this mattress is here to provide you with a whole futon comfort experience. It is one of the most sought-after futon mattresses and currently holds the #1 best seller rank on Amazon.

However, user review analysis tells a different story. 68% of reviewers rated this product with four stars, and a staggering percentage of people (14%) rate it as a 1-star product. It indicates that they (the 14% reviewers) have been deceived and don’t like the product. Many of these customers feel this mattress is a knock-off, a cheap mattress that causes back pain and starts to fall apart quickly after a couple of months. They also complain about poor customer service and lack of empathy from the company.

However, not all is bad about the mattress. The customers who rate this mattress as an excellent product simply love it. They are satisfied with the product, and it shows from their reviews about the mattress. They like that the mattress comes with a storage bag, is easy to fold and store. The high-quality cotton feature is also appreciated as it offers comfort and warmth.

Some of the best features of this mattress are sleep support, memory foam, and its size range. All of these features probably explain the high price set by the manufacturer. However, it would have been better if they had mentioned the warranty and certifications.

The mattress is composed of 5 layers. The top layer is microfiber cotton, followed by a soft microfiber cotton layer. The third layer is memory foam which is followed by a soft microfiber cotton layer. The last layer is a microfiber cotton layer. All these layers come together to give you maximum comfort and an unmatched sleeping experience.

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3. FULI Japanese Traditional Shiki Futon

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If comfort and value for money had one name, it would be the Fuli Futon mattress. A detailed breakdown of the user reviews reveals that people rate it highly for sleep quality, comfort, pain relief, value for money, and folding ease.

People like this mattress because it is authentic and made in Japan. It comes at a high price, but every penny is worth it. The mattress is easy to fold and highly portable. The design of the mattress is a marvel in itself. Each cotton pad is stuffed with soft foam to give you comfort and pain relief. It is a perfect mattress for back sleepers and will keep your spine in a natural position. There are three layers in the mattress. The top layer is 100% cotton, followed by 100% polyester foam and then a 100% polyurethane layer. Finally, the polyurethane layer is sandwiched between cotton and polyester layers.

You may not like the thin cover material. It is a great idea to make a cotton cover for the mattress to protect it from the elements and enhance its durability. Unfortunately, we cannot say anything about warranty and certification because the manufacturer doesn’t provide this information. The mattress is available only in twin sizes.

The negative reviews are primarily about the mattress failing to meet the buyers’ expectations. When you purchase a mattress, you have a pre-determined level of expectations from it. So if it fails to satisfy you, you won’t think highly of your purchase.

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4. DHP 8 Inch Independently Encased Coil Futon Mattress

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DHP’s futon mattress is dual function mattress that can be used in a sofa cum bed or individually as a mattress. If you are buying it for a frame, make sure it will fit on your futon frame. You can do this by measuring the available space on the futon frame’s inner side and then comparing it with the dimensions of the mattress (54 x 75 x 8 inches).

The mattress is a famous entity in the world of futon mattresses. The mattress is used mainly by people who live in small apartments or have cramped up rooms. It is a versatile mattress that serves as a sofa and a bed. People are happy with the value of money because they paid for one thing and got two.

The mattress has a black microfiber cover for durability and protection. It is a thick mattress compared to other mattresses on our list. An 8-inch thickness is bound to give you maximum comfort and softness, relieving pressure from your body’s pain points and giving you a peaceful sleep. In addition, the mattress provides more support while sleeping on it.

The mattress is CertiPUR-US® certified and comes with a 1-year warranty. Futon mattresses are usually not covered by a warranty. The ultra-plush tufted microfiber upholstery with independently encased coils ensures that the mattress retains its shape even after years of use. In addition, the mattress cover can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth. The mattress is available in 8 different colors to match your room interior.

Some people complain about the mattress giving out on folding areas after numerous switches from a sofa to bed and vice versa. After unboxing the mattress, you may notice a slight chemical smell, which usually goes away after keeping the mattress in a well-ventilated area for 3-4 days.

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5. EMOOR Japanese Floor Futon Mattress CLASSE

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The next on our list is another Japanese-style traditional futon mattress. Based on the reviews and customer feedback, we can say that it is the second-best futon mattress after the Fuli Japanese mattress. It is ample testimony of the fact that the mattress is one of the best Japanese-style futons.

The mattress receives tons of praise from the reviewers. Most of the reviewers explain how the futon helped them deal with chronic back pain in a few days. The mattress’s medium firmness is optimal for back pain and relieving your pressure points. In addition, the mattress comes with anti-bacterial and mite-resistant features that make many people happy and gives them peace of mind. Moreover, the mattress is easy to fold and carry due to its low weight.

The three-layered mattress (firm pad in the middle with top and bottom soft fiberfill pads) is a multipurpose futon. You can use it as an individual mattress or use it as a mattress topper. One of the best things about this mattress is that it is washable. You can wash it, hang and dry it. It is priced on the higher side, but it is worth it. The mattress is well built and will last for many years to come.  

There aren’t many bad reviews about the mattress. However, most negative reviews are about the mattress not living up to the comfort standards of the customers. Please note that the manufacturer has mentioned no warranty period and certification.

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FAQs

Final Word

The best thing about a futon mattress is that they are mighty effective against back pain, provided it suits you. Moreover, a futon mattress is an excellent way to utilize maximum space in cramped rooms. 

Happy Shopping!