Modern houses are space starved. Even if you’re not constrained to a shoebox dwelling, you might find yourself in need for an extra bed without anywhere to put it. A futon could fix that problem for you, and you could even use it by converting your sofa into a bed. Here’s our selection of 5 best futon mattresses.
- DHP Independently-Encased Coil Premium Futon Mattress
- Rolling Bed Queen Size Japanese Mattresses
- Royal Sleep Products New Replacement Futon Mattress
- EMOOR Japanese Traditional Futon Mattress
- Best Choice Products Upholstered Button Tufted PU Leather Convertible Futon
Considerations When Buying A Futon Mattress
Why Do I Need A Futon Mattress?
The first question on your mind obviously has to be the express reason why you’re buying a futon, and that will decide what you buy. Do you need one for everyday use? Or is it something that’s going to stay locked up until guests show up. Buying a good futon needs some research. You could go ahead and buy an Ikea futon, but without a clear understanding of purpose, even the best futon from the brand could fall flat.
Should I Care How My Futon Looks?
Is your futon going to stay packed up, or do you intend to use it as a sofa-bed combo? Well, looks do matter, as does comfort. If it is going to stay up as a sofa, looks will be an important factor. But then even if it stays out of sight during the day, you want your futon mattress to look good and alluring when it’s time to sleep. Looks do make a difference.
A random, coil-filled futon can lose its shape as time passes. A memory foam futon mattress on the other hand, can retain its shape for a longer period and be more comfortable.
How Many Number Of Folds Should My Futon Have?
Generally, you will purchase a futon mattress that has two or three folds. The folds will have to work with the frame you have (or one you intend to purchase). If you already have a frame, see how well the folds on your mattress match the frame.
You should also try to match the quality of the futon and frame. An expensive futon with a bad frame, or vice versa, is a poor match.
Are Futons Durable?
Durability is dependent on the material of the futon, quality, and the maintenance/care you put into the mattress. It is generally advisable to purchase a futon mattress that is made from long-lasting materials. Foam is generally a winner in terms of longevity, however, your specific requirements and expectations from the mattress must be the priority.
Top 5 Futon Mattress Choices For You
1. DHP Independently-Encased Coil Premium Futon Mattress
This 8-inch high futon is full of comfort and substance. Any DHP futon mattress review is full of praises for this futon, and for good reason. Its independently encased 14-gauge coils provide excellent comfort and pressure relief, without going into the realm of disturbing motion transfer. If you put it up as a sofa, you’ll find it’s incredible to sit and rest. Packed with 522 coils, the DHP futon mattress can be placed on any full futon frame.
The coils are sandwiched between layers of polyester and foam to keep the mattress comfortable. DHP futon lavishly uses polyester in its construction to stay hypoallergenic. Finishing the look is the microfiber cover that fights off odors and sweats. Plus, it’s available in several colors, making things better. DHP futon mattress has generous dimensions, and so also looks a bit bulky than your average futon. Small price to pay for the goodies, considering this could be the most comfortable futon mattress. The mattress is also available in a 6-inch version or linen cover.
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality construction promises comfort | Can be fairly heavy |
| Can support most weights, including overweight people | Needs high-quality full frame for best results |
2. Rolling Bed Queen Size Japanese Mattresses
Rolling Bed is a simple, comfortable, no-fuss futon made with high-quality materials. The mattress is about 3-inch thick and is 90% filled with cotton, with polyester fiber and resilient foam filling up the remaining space in equal proportion.
As you can guess, there are no bells and whistles with this futon mattress. When you need it, simply place it in position and have your sleep. Same thing applies when it’s time to remove the mattress. Although there is only the 3-inch height providing support, most consumer reviews find the comfort of the Rolling Bed to be acceptable and comfortable.
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple, lightweight, and comfortable | Many customers say it is firmer than expected |
| Easy to pack or fold | Requires user to physically push and tug mattress to expand to its full size |
| Can have a terrible smell that takes a few days to go away |
3. Royal Sleep Products New Replacement Futon Mattress
I think we’re allowed to have over-the-top expectations from a mattress with such a mouthful name. It does hope to be the most comfortable futon mattress and (arguably) follows the DHP futon mattress we saw earlier. It may not be one of the most popular futon mattresses around, but it certainly has made it to the list of the best futon mattresses available.
The Royal Sleep futon mattress uses 550 individually wrapped pocket coils for its queen mattress. The coils are sandwiched in layers of a cotton/poly blend (apparently to make the mattress hypoallergenic. This is followed by a 1.5-inch layer of memory foam, adding more comfort. Royal Sleep futon mattress is available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. So enjoy your choices!
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality construction for comfort | Can be quite heavy |
| Comforting and contouring support | Works best only with a sturdy frame |
4. EMOOR Japanese Traditional Futon Mattress
Now that we enter the territory of the traditional futon, the Emoor makes a perfect specimen of the species. The futon is only about 2.5-inches thick, and is packed with firm polyester and padded with soft filling. Overall, this futon mattress is intended to be a firm mattress, without going overboard. The cover/outer fabric is made from cotton.
Emoor has treated the mattress to deodorize it, and has also given it an anti-bacterial and anti-mite treatment. The company mentions that the treatments are effective only for a couple of years. Given its construction and style, the Emoor Japanese traditional futon mattress is available in a variety of sizes and colors. Covers are sold separately as well, allowing easy changes and more options of colors available.
| Pros | Cons |
| Plenty of size and color options available | Can be firmer than expected |
| Convenient to pack and store | Must be used with a base |
| Pleasant, conforming support |
5. Best Choice Products Upholstered Button Tufted PU Leather Convertible Futon
BestPrice has gone with the somewhat unusual route of packing its mattress in faux leather. On the positive side, if you were unsure about what frame to consider, they pack a wooden frame along with the mattress. It is a unique approach, and banks more on its appearance as a recliner, and (weirdly) puts less emphasis in its life as a futon mattress.
I guess it is okay to be partial to a futon mattress that includes its own frame and is super easy to clean (at the cover, at least). Currently available only in black or white.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great look | Some customers say the wooden frame assembly is unreliable |
| Can handle up 550 lbs of weight | |
| Comfortable back rest |
Buying The Best Futon Mattress — Conclusion
As you see, a futon mattress can make things so much easier if there is a lack of space in your home. Finding the best futon mattress is as easy as starting with our list and narrowing it down to your specific preferences. While being a futon, keep in mind that the primary goal is your comfort. The most comfortable futon mattresses can make it possible to call upon the services of memory foam or innerspring mattresses at a relatively lower cost.