If you need an extra bed but you don’t have enough free space in the room where you want to place it or if you just want to save some space in your bedroom, a futon mattress is a great option. We’ll discuss why you might be considering a futon, the styles that are available and how you can protect your purchase. Traditionally, futon mattresses were not as thick as they are now, nor used as sofa-couches. These are both adaptations or inventions created in the West. The traditional Japanese futon is something of a two-part system. There is a bottom, mattress part called the shiki-buton and an upper, quilted part called the kake-buton. Together, they are laid on a mat, a tatami, and form your futon. Then, in the morning, these can both be beaten with the traditional bamboo cane to clean and get refreshed in the clean morning air.

How we use our futons is quite a bit different as you can tell. We are more likely to purchase a futon for the reasons originally stated, extra seating or as a flexible sleeping arrangement for guests. Occasionally, people will choose to have it as their primary sleeping arrangement, though this is more rare. When this is the case, then the idea of using it as a sofa or having it folded is less of a concern. In this example, the type of frame and thickness of the mattress are much less of an issue. We’ll discuss these points in more detail in a moment. If, however, you are seeking to use it as a folded sofa, or extra seating in a home office or den, then there are certainly options for you as well. Your situation will definitely call for the use of a futon cover – a protective covering for your futon. It is also quite stylish, as they come in a variety of materials, patterns and styles – as you can tell from browsing our site.

If you are planning on using your futon in the “Western style”, then the frame and mattress thickness are points to consider. There are futon mattresses that are made of simple materials like cotton, wool and a variety of foam pads inside. Then, there are styles that utilize inner coil springs, mattress toppers and even latex materials. The latex futon mattress is a more recent innovation and it has given many people more quality sleep-filled nights. Because of its makeup, it is less prone to trigger one’s allergies and can provide for a much sounder sleep. Many people are waking up, so to speak, to the fact that the mattresses upon which we sleep can have health consequences. This is yet another reason why there are some futon covers that are specifically designed to keep those off-gassing products inside the mattress and not into the air and lungs of the homeowner.

You may not have known that there were these other types of futons. This is because they are somewhat new, though they have been around and ‘sleep-tested’ for almost a decade or more in some cases. Large brand name manufacturers of conventional mattresses also have futons. Names like Sealy™, Simmons™ and Beautyrest™ are just a few that come to mind. This is just one more reason to feel comfortable with a purchase of a new futon.

In terms of cost, for a smaller sized mattress, like a twin or full, you could get one for around $100-125 USD. In most cases, this is just for the mattress itself. At times, this could also include the frame. For a larger mattress, a queen, perhaps, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars. There are not as many king-size mattresses available in these styles, but they do exist. In fact, many professional athletes have a custom-made futon to fit their large frames. They have been relying on them for comfortable sleep for years.

You may not need a mattress this large, but your plans are still big! Just to reiterate, if you plan on using your futon for your primary sleeping arrangement, then purchasing a thicker one, maybe with inner coil springs or a latex mattress topper, for example, is a wise investment. It will not need to be folded, in most cases, and will provide you with years of support. The old reputation of the flattening futon is a thing of the past. On the other hand, if your plans call for a more flexible seating/sleeping arrangement, then finding a thinner, more foldable version with a matching and suitable frame for your home décor, then this is also available. What ever type of purchase you decide to make, know that a modern home definitely has a place for the futon mattress. Sleep well.