5 Best Futon Mattress: Ultimate Buying Guide (2022 Updated)

To compensate for the lack of space in a room or home in general, many people seem to turn to futon mattresses these days. Originating in Japan, where apartments are generally small and have limited space, futons have been created with efficiency and usefulness in mind. These space-saving, rollable, foldable cushions are made to not only save space and provide a sleeping place but also to provide comfort and support for people that sleep on futons.

Futons are considered very useful for the modern lifestyle. They come in different sizes, can be made of different materials, and also vary in cost. That means, there is a futon mattress out there for everyone’s needs, budget, and size of the living space. If you’re looking for the best futons on the market right now, you’re in the right place. In the following paragraphs, we’re going to take a look at the best futons that will fit in your budget as well as your apartment.

The Pros and Cons of Futon Mattress

Before you make a decision, make sure to check our pros and cons list when it comes to futon mattresses and their usefulness/efficiency in everyday modern life;

Why Futon Is Good?

• Natural materials – the majority of futon mattresses are made from cotton and other organic materials. They don’t feature plastic or chemicals, as other sleeping aid might contain. It is also believed that natural materials like cotton prevent night sweats.
• Anti-allergenic – speaking of natural materials, these items are also allergen-free; the dense memory foam or coils prevent the pollutants, bacteria, and allergens from being trapped inside the futon. Moreover, natural materials don’t trigger allergies as well.
• Space-saving – rollable or foldable futons are taking up almost no space at all (you roll the futon and put it away until you need it). Other types of futons usually serve as a seat or sleeping surface which you can also put away or use during the day as a sofa.
• Inexpensive – unlike regular mattresses that can cost several hundred, or even thousand dollars, futons are pretty inexpensive. You can get great deals on futons, with or without frames, which will save you money.

Drawbacks You Should Know

5  Best Futon Mattresses in 2022: Detailed Reviews

1.  Divisadero Cotton Foam Twin Size Futon Mattress

• Type of futon mattress – high-density memory foam
• Firmness – 6 on the scale of 10
• Perfect for: people with back pain issues, extra pressure point support, additional sleeping space.
• Rating – 4.5/5

Product description

The Divisadero is an excellent futon mattress that is made to be comfortable, cozy but also supportive of the body. It is made from natural material and fabric, as well as filled with cotton and 1.5-inch thick foam. This makes the unit incredibly comfortable, but also easy to clean and to keep bacteria-, germ- and allergen-free. The core construction of the unit is memory foam, which makes it excellent for people who deal with back pain or other types of pain in pressure points like neck, shoulders, hips, or legs.

Essential details

• The cover material is from cotton, which makes the Divisadero futon suitable for people who are sensitive to materials, who react to certain materials in form of allergy or for people who simply want their futon made with natural materials.
• The futon mattress is supported by the two layers of 1.5-inch, high-density memory foam. This makes the item a perfect balance of support and comfort, especially for people with back pain issues.
• The item is also tightly packed with cotton fill, to provide the utmost and lasting comfort and a night of great sleep.
• The firmness of the futon, according to the memory foam, is 6 on the scale of 10, which makes it just right for healthy sleep.
• The item weighs 30 lb and is 39” in width and 75” in length.
• Frame and pillows are not included with this item.
• The item has no commercial warranty.

Possible disadvantages

• For some customers, this mattress can be a bit too flat. If you prefer futons to be more soft and fluffy, then this item might not be for you. On the other hand, if you do have trouble with your back, as in frequent back pain, we would recommend you surely consider this item as a possible choice.
• Another issue with this item is that it can often be out of stock. Because it is high in quality but affordable, it surely sells out fast. Luckily, Wayfair restocks quickly, so within two weeks or a month you can order your Divisadero futon again.

2.  Haney Innerspring/Coil Twin Size Futon Mattress

• Type of futon mattress – innerspring/coil
• Firmness – 8 on a scale of 10
• Perfect for: residential use, guests, having additional sleeping or seating space.
• Rating – 4.5/5

Product description

If you’re looking for a futon mattress that is not only a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface, but also a great addition to the furniture and a comfy seat, then this one is for you. The Haney futon is designed to be used on a day-to-day basis, as a sitting place, as well as a place where you can get a good night’s sleep. This makes it perfect for your guests, as well as for you or your partner if you want to change your sleeping place or you want to make this item a designated bed mattress. Regardless of the purpose, this futon will not only get you a good night’s sleep, but it will also look good while doing so.

Essential details

• The cover material of the item is polyester, which makes it perfect for its dual purpose. Since it is designed to be used daily, it will withstand wearing out, dirt, germs, and bacteria.
• The core construction of the mattress is innerspring or coil. Usually, such futons are not recommended for people to sleep on, but this one is comfortable and the coils do not gauge into your back while you sleep.
• The item features a tight mattress top, which is not removable but surely makes the mattress more comfortable, regardless of the coils.
• The firmness of the item is 8 on a scale of 10. This makes the item perfect for both seating and sleeping, as it provides medium comfort, or sleeping, especially in cases of restlessness or back pain. It is also great for plus size sleepers, as it then provides excellent support and hugs the body properly.
• The item weighs 48 lb and is 39” in width and 75” in length.
• Frame and pillows are not included.
• The item has no commercial warranty.

Possible disadvantages

• Some of the customers seem to complain about the upholstery of the mattress. Even though it is made to withstand day-to-day, residential use, in some cases the futon didn’t hold well. It seems that the most common complaint regards the durability of the item.
• There have also been complaints about the top cover ripping off even days into regular use. Therefore, the item is not recommended to people who have pets like cats or dogs, as they could easily rip the cover or the upholstery of the item.
• Since the firmness of the item is 8 on the scale of 10, the item might be too firm for medium-sized users. In case you will use the item for only sitting or for the occasional guests, then it is fine. However, if you plan to sleep on the futon regularly, then consider your weight and the firmness of the item.

3. Full Willow Futon Mattress

• Type of futon mattress – memory foam
• Firmness – 8 on a scale of 10
• Perfect for: residential use, relaxation, for people who experience soreness and back pain.
• Rating – 4.3/5

Product description

The Willow mattress is designed not to only fit your home decor, but also to support and conform to your back and pressure points. It is probably the best futon type for people who experience body pain, soreness, back pain, and issues with pressure points during sleep. The futon distributes the support for the body evenly, making sure all the muscles, joints and pressure points are relaxed. If you’re looking for an item that will fit the residential, day-to-day use and your home decor, but also provide support and comfort for your whole body, then you should consider this item.

Essential details

• The item features multiple layers of memory foam, which is responsible for the overall comfort of the sleeping surface. Memory foam layers also contribute to the item’s ability to conform to the body’s curvature and pressure points.
• The item features a blend of materials; it is made from a combination of polyester and cotton. The cover of the item is of cotton fabric, which is essential for people who care about natural materials in regards to allergies, germs, and bacteria.
• The Willow futon is also a flame-retardant mattress, which means that it doesn’t promote fire from spreading.
• The item is eco-friendly, reversible and compatible with basically all futon frames. Regardless of how it is used, the item provides a comfortable sleeping or sitting surface.
• The firmness of the item is 8 on the scale of 10, which means it is primarily intended for people with back pain and pressure points issues. The item is also excellent for plus-size users, as it provides enough support and comfort, and distributes it well.
• The item weighs 55 lb and is 54” in width and 75” in length.
• Frame and pillows are not included.
• The item has a commercial warranty of 5 years.

Possible disadvantages

• Because of its firmness, the item might not be compatible with people weighing less than 130 lb. The item won’t conform to the body’s curvature and will be uncomfortable to sleep on regularly.
• Some customers have complained about the item being too thin for everyday use. The height of the item is 8”, so before the purchase, make sure this the height you expect and that fits you. Also, consider your weight, as it can surely affect whether a mattress will be thin for you; if you’re a plus-size user, this mattress might be on a thinner side.

4. Lebanon Cushion Back Futon and Mattress

• Type of futon mattress – frame futon with springs and Certipur-US foam
• Firmness – 8 on a scale of 10
• Perfect for: residential use, everyday use, excellent for the guest room or for having additional or the main sleeping surface.
• Rating – 4.7/5

Product description

In case you’re looking for a futon mattress that comes with a wonderful, hardwood frame, then look no further. The Lebanon cushion mattress is the right fit for any home when it comes to both style and usefulness. The item transforms from a stylish seating to a full-size bed in no time. The frame is made a wonderful hardwood construction, available in numerous finishes, featuring adjustable parts for extra comfort. The mattress too is a fine quality item that is a hybrid, featuring innerspring and Certi-Pur-US foam. The item is designed to provide superior comfort, to withstand day-to-day use as well as to fit your home decor and your sleeping pattern and needs.

Essential details

• The item is a classic hardwood frame with an innerspring/Certi-Pur-US foam with tray style arms. It is a versatile item, suitable for everyday use and can be converted to a bed. It fits any type of home interior and decor or any type or size of a room.
• The upholstery of the item is a microfiber and microsuede fabric, which provides a great feel to the touch. The grade fabric is also tufted to the mattress to increase its durability and design.
• The Certi-Pur-US foam ensures enough support to the body during the day-to-day use, and especially during the sleep. It also has a plush layer of cotton to add to the coziness and comfort of the unit.
• The unit is easily convertible from a seating space to a bed with a unique hinge system. The whole unit is made to be easily moved around and transformed into a bed or sofa, in no time.
• The firmness of the futon mattress is 8 on the scale of 10. This makes it excellent for a good night’s sleep in case you might have back pain or any other types of pressure point issues. The item is also excellent for plus-size users and can withstand several people sitting on it without a problem.
• The item weighs 155 lb and is overall 33” in height, 34” in width and 82” in length.
• The item has no commercial warranty.

Possible disadvantages

• Some customers have complained about putting together the frame and the mattress. Even though the company claims the assembly is quite easy, people seem o have some issues with it. Make sure to check the assembly guidelines and check with the company for more instructions before purchasing.
• There have also been complaints about the difficulty of transforming the sofa to bed. Customers suggest one person alone can hardly do anything, and that it takes at least two people to convert the unit into a bed. Therefore, make sure to check this information with the company as well.

5. Reanna Suzuki Tatami Japanese Rolling Futon Mattress

• Type of futon mattress – Japanese rolling futon mattress
• Firmness – described solely as ‘firm’
• Perfect for: both non-residential and residential use, in case of additional sleeping space for guests, etc.
• Rating – 4.6/5

Product description

If you’re looking for a practical futon mattress that you can store wherever you want, and use whenever you need it, then this Japanese rollable futon mattress is for you. Not everyone wants a full-on futon in their home, or they simply don’t have space for it. Luckily, this item doesn’t take space at all and can be rolled out in a second. The item is rollable, foldable, and most importantly, comfortable. It can serve as a guest futon, mattress pad, even as a yoga or massage mat. This practical item is suitable for both, residential and non-residential use.

Essential details

• The Japanese rollable mattress is comfortable and stable when you sleep on it. It won’t move around and slip under you as you turn in your sleep. You can easily fold it or roll it up and use it when needed.
• The item is made from natural materials, mostly cotton. The cover of the futon is made from polyester. This makes the item both breathable as well as comfortable, anti-allergenic and capable to withstand indoor and outdoor use. Moreover, the item features two layers of eucalyptus fiber and two layers of cotton fiber at the core.
• This futon mattress comes in different sizes; twin size, full size, single size, single XL size, queen size, and other dimensions. This makes it suitable for everyone, every size and body type.
• The item is described as firm, but also soft and comfortable enough to hug the body and conform to its curvature. Even so, it may not be suitable for people who experience frequent back pain.
• The item is handmade in the USA. It doesn’t feature removable covers, but it does have two straps at the bottom so you can easily roll up and tie the mattress.
• The item doesn’t feature a frame or additional pillows.
• The item has no commercial warranty.

Possible disadvantages

• This item is not recommended for plus-size users as it is 3.5” thick and may be too thin for plus-size Customers usually complain about this, but you can add a mattress topper on top of the item in an emergency case.
• The item is also not recommended for people who experience back pain or pain in muscles or joints. Even though the item is firm, it is not designed to fit the requirements for spinal alignment or pressure point support.
• It needs to be noted that this item is not supposed to be a standard, regular sleeping surface alone. If you want to sleep on this futon regularly, use it as a mattress topper on your already existing bed. Otherwise, you’ll be facing issues with your back, neck, shoulders or hips.

Features to Look for in a Futon Mattress

To choose the right futon mattress, you need to know what is it that you should look for in the first place. There are numerous futon mattresses out there, and the offer is extensive and versatile. To select the item you need easily, we’ve featured some guideline information for you to follow;

General Futon Mattress Information

• Check the size of your space and determine which type of futon mattress will fit; for example, if you have a smaller room, a foldable or rollable futon will be more suitable. On the other hand, if you have more space, you can try purchasing a frame futon mattress.
• Make sure that the futon you’re buying is flexible, versatile, firm, and durable. If the item doesn’t have these features, then your investment needs to be reconsidered.
• A futon intended for adults needs to be at least 6” to 8” thick, in case of regular, everyday use. If you’re buying a futon for additional sleeping space, for the guest as an example, then thinner items might do the deal.
• Opt for futon mattresses that are either innerspring or memory foam; these are known to provide the highest levels of comfort, as well as support for your body and your movement during sleep.
• Make sure to invest in a high-quality item, because it will surely last you longer and might withstand everyday use even up to 10 or 20 years.

What Types of Futon Do We Recommend?

Between numerous futon types, shapes and sizes, we recommend the following;

• Memory foam futon – futons that are filled with memory foam are generally durable, hold their shape, and look nice. These are generally in the form of a single, no-frame mattress which is used as a standard sleeping surface. A memory foam item will surely provide comfort and support your body needs to get a good night’s sleep.
• Innerspring futon mattress – innerspring futons usually contain metal springs and multiple foam layers. These are usually covered in cotton fabrics and are incredibly comfortable and supportive. They can be used as seats in wooden futon frames, or quickly transformed into a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface.
• Hardwood frame futon mattress – when it comes to the futon frames, we recommend the hardwood over the metal ones. Hardwood frames last longer, are more durable and can easily withstand everyday use. They also make the futon mattress fit perfectly and keep everything anti-allergenic and anti-bacterial.

Features to Look For

• Versatility – futon mattresses are famous for their versatility, but they still need to meet your intended purpose. Therefore, look for a mattress that provides the versatility you will find useful; a futon can serve as a seat cushion, a regular sleeping surface, as a sofa if it has a frame, as a yoga mat if it’s rollable, etc.
• Durability – because futons are usually thinner than regular mattresses, they’re not considered to be durable. However, high-quality items, that are made of natural and long-lasting materials should serve you anywhere between 10 and 20 years. High-quality futons (which are usually also more expensive) tend to be more durable.
• Thickness – there are futon mattresses that are 3.5” thick (rollable and foldable), and others which are usually 6”. Make sure to check the thickness of a futon, especially in accordance with its purpose. If it’s intended to be a regular sleeping surface, a thin futon might cause back pain issues and uncomfortable sleeping positions.
• Firmness – generally, futon mattresses are firm. Unlike regular mattresses that feature a firmness scale, futons are simply categorized as soft or firm. Firm items are excellent for plus-size users, people who experience back pain issues, or people who simply want to maintain proper spinal alignment during sleep. Firm futons are also comfortable seats, but you can add a few pillows for extra coziness.
• Comfort – it is important you look for a futon that is comfortable as a seat as well as a sleeping surface. Because a futon is used regularly and daily, it might lose its initial springiness and comfort. Therefore, don’t purchase plush futons; these will sink in too quickly and become uncomfortable. Make sure to go for firmer items that will surely last longer.
• Mattress accessories – some futons need additional accessories to make them more comfortable, durable, or resistant. For example, mattress covers are excellent if you want to make the futon more comfortable, water-resistant, anti-allergenic (natural fabrics), or you simply want an easy transition between a sofa futon and a sleeping surface.
• Aesthetics – last but not least, you should also look for a mattress that looks nice. Because you might use it as a seat in your living room, or it will serve as a sofa, it needs to fit your home decor and look nice. Look for an item that has a nice color, can hold its shape, and has a quality upholstery that is durable and nice-looking.