What is a Futon Mattress?

on 14 December 2021 .

What is a futon mattress? What are the benefits of using one? And what should you look for when buying a new one to make sure it’s right for you and your needs.

In this article, we will answer those questions and more.

“I don’t need anything to live, to be honest. Give me a mattress or a futon on the floor and I’ll be the happiest camper.”
RICKY MARTIN

What is Futon Mattress?

A futon mattress is a thin, flexible mattress that can be used as both a bed and couch. The word “futon” comes from the Japanese phrase ふとん (“futon”), which means “a mat that can be used as a mattress.”

Futon mattress is typically thinner and more flexible than a traditional mattress.

This makes it a good option for those who want something that can be used as both a bed and a couch. Or it can be folded up and stored away when not in use. You can also move a futon mattress from one room to another as needed.

A futon mattress is often made out of cotton, wool, or a combination of both.

A futon mattress is cheaper than a traditional mattress. They are perfect for those who are on a budget.

Brief History of the Futon

The word “futon” comes from the Japanese phrase ふとん (“futon”), which means “a mat that can be used as a mattress.” The futon was invented in Japan in the early 1900s. At that time, most people in Japan slept on the floor. So, a thin and flexible mattress like the futon was a good option for them.

The popularity of the futon soon spread to other parts of the world. Today, there are many different types of futons available. You can find futons made out of a variety of materials, including cotton, wool, and foam.

Types of Futon

There are three main types of futon mattresses. These include:

Traditional Futons – The traditional Japanese futon is a cotton or wool blanket that can be folded and stored away when not in use. This type of mattress does not have springs. But it has several layers of padding so that your body will be comfortable.

Western Futons – The Western futon is a mattress that typically has a wooden frame and metal coils. It is thicker and more supportive than the traditional Japanese futon, making it better suited for use as a bed.

Folding Futons – A folding futon is a thin, lightweight mattress that can be easily moved from one room to another. It is made out of a variety of materials, including cotton, foam, and latex. This type of futon mattress is perfect for those who want something that can be used as both a bed and couch.

Futon Mattress Sizes

There are three common standard sizes for futon mattresses:

Twin – A twin-sized futon mattress measures approximately 39″ x 75″ (99 x 190 cm). This makes it the smallest type of futon available.

Full – A full-sized futon is about 54″ x 75″ (137 x 190 cm), which fits most standard bed frames .

Queen – The queen-sized futon is also around 60″ x 80″ (152 x 203 cm), making it a good size for couple sharing. 

What to Look for when Buying a Futon?

When shopping for a new futon mattress, there are several things you should keep in mind. These include:

  • The type of frame the mattress will be used with. Some mattresses are better suited for use with certain types of frames. For example, a folding mattress is often used on its own as a standalone piece of furniture. This means it doesn’t need to fit snugly against the side of a bed frame . On the other hand, traditional and Western-style futons are usually place on metal or wooden frames to keep them stable.
  • The type of mattress you want. There are many different types of futon, including traditional Japanese , Western-style , and folding .
  • The size you need. It’s important to measure the space where your new futon will be placed. This ensures that there is enough room for movement when getting in or out of bed. Also, make sure to check the dimensions of the futon mattress you are interested in, as not all sizes are available in every style .
  • The materials used. Futon mattresses can be made out of a variety of materials, including cotton , wool , foam , and latex . Each one has its own set of pros and cons. For example, foam futon mattresses tend to be denser and more supportive than cotton or wool ones. However, there are also some benefits to choosing a natural fiber mattress .
  • The budget you have. Futon mattresses are cheaper than traditional beds because they don’t use as much material. That being said, quality is still a priority when it comes to picking one out. There are many futon mattresses on the market that have over 200 layers of padding , which is great for those who want a plush, comfortable place to sleep .

Benefits of Futon

There are several benefits to using a futon mattress, including:

  • Affordable - Typically cost less than traditional beds. This makes them a great option for those on a budget .

  • Versatile - Can be used in a variety of different ways. For example, they can be placed on the floor to be used as a couch, or they can be unfolded into an extra bed .

  • Save Space - Perfect for those with limited space in their house because they take up less room than traditional mattresses.

Disadvantages of Futon

However, there are also a few disadvantages to using a futon mattress:

  1. Futons are not as durable as traditional mattresses

  2. Futons do not come with fitted sheets, which can be expensive to buy separately

  3. Futons don’t provide the same level of support as a regular bed

The Bottom Line

There are many types of mattress out there, but which is the best for you?

Futons have their pros and cons just like any other type of mattress.

If you’re considering a futon purchase, it may be helpful to know what they offer before making your decision. What has your mattress experience been like so far? Leave a comment below.

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