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.

Isn’t buying a full futon cover for your futon mattresses kind of like keeping the plastic on your couch after buying it? Sure, it’ll keep the stains off… but isn’t it a little redundant?

I will grant you that keeping the plastic on a sofa indefinitely is, well, ridiculous, but when it comes to futon beds and futon frames, a futon cover is a welcome addition to the party.

Here are some reasons you want to consider adding a full futon cover over any futon mattresses in your home.

1. A Futon Slip Cover Protects Your Futon Mattress From Stains, Spills, and Other Accidents.

Did you just spill your dinner on your futon? Wait, why aren’t you eating at the dinner table? I regress…

Anyhow, no worries: that queen sized microsuede futon cover you just fit over your queen futon mattress sofa bed is now paying off. Instead of having to deal with “How the heck do I clean a freakin’ futon mattress?, you now need only to wash the futon cover (and go get a second helping of dinner – and this time, eat at the table!).

Seriously though, futon slip covers are going to protect your investment of buying a futon sofa bed in the first place. You can even buy futon covers that are designed to resist stains, such as a waterproof futon cover or vinyl futon cover. Just make sure you buy an easily washable futon cover and you’ll be set.

2. A Futon Cover Will Cover Up Existing Stains, Spills, and Other Accidents On the Actual Futon Mattress.

Futon mattresses get dirty. They seem to get dirtier than normal sofas or a normal bed. This is especially true for a black futon (and on that note, black futon covers have the same faults – they show dirt and cat hair and other icky things much easier than say, a light green futon cover or a nice blue futon cover.)

Since futon beds are a popular item amongst the youth, buying one used means.. you don’t want to know what’s actually on it. (Beer would be the least of our concerns.)

It’s much easier just to slap on a nice cotton futon cover or one of those fancy chenille futon covers and keep any spills and stains on the mattress itself out of sight and out of mind!

3. A Futon Cover Can Definitely Be Part of Your Homes Design and Decor Theme.

This is one of the coolest reasons to add a cover or slip to your futon: to make the futon add something to the overall design theme of your room or home.

For instance, say you’re a huge NC State football fan (for what reason, I do not know, but that’s for a different conversation). This means you like the color red. You want everything in your home to be red. But that stupid blue futon in the living room makes people think you like UNC instead! Show your true colors (pun intended) by buying a red futon cover!

Another example is something I saw at a beach house recently. You can imagine the theme going on here – shell decorations, sand art, beach photos on the walls, plants and greens around the house. And then I noticed that the two futon mattresses in the living room were decked out with the ever popular tropical futon cover theme.

These two examples are only the tip of the iceburg. You can pretty much get a futon cover that will add to the flair of your design goals, no matter if you’re going for a rustic futon cover to match the antique, country feel of your home, or a black futon cover to match the death metal posters in your dorm room.

4. A New Futon Cover Means You (Almost) Have a New Futon

Just because you bought a plain black futon doesn’t mean you have to always have a black futon! Applying a cover will basically give you a “new” piece of furniture without having to really buy a whole new futon. This is what puts the “cheap” in “cheap futon covers” since it’s far less expensive than buying a futon with a matching design.

Anytime you want a “new” futon, just change the cover. Simple as that!

Now I wish I had a 5th reason to buy a futon cover so I could title this article something like “5 Reasons To Use a Futon Cover”, because “4 Reasons To Use A Futon Cover” just doesn’t sound right. But let me turn the tables on you here – if you’ve read this far, you’ve probably thought this article was interesting (I hope), and I also hope it’s given you some realistic ideas on how and why to use a slipcover on your futon at home.

But what didn’t I cover?

I invite you to give me the 5th reason in the comments section below!