Futon Mattress Info

How Do Traditional And Futon Mattresses Compare?

When it comes to topics that are near and dear to people’s hearts, it is hard not to include great sleeping on that list. And if you are wanting deep, peaceful sleep, then I would recommend a futon mattress as a great choice. We will discuss why through this article and on this site. If you find that you have a particular question about owning a new futon, search our site. I’m sure it is covered somewhere.

One of the most important ideas regarding your sleeping futon will be its comfort. This seems like an obvious statement but it actually encompasses several points. One of the greatest steps that has taken place more recently has been the comparability between traditional and futon mattresses. In other words, in the past you would have had to sacrifice some of the modern comfort conveniences to own a more flexible option in the futon. Now, this simply is not the case.

A Futon Has Much More In The Way Of Convenience Than A Traditional Mattress

If you are new to the futon world, then you might only be aware of the old notion of what they were for. In the past, these beds were relegated to the college dorm room or poor student set. Now, because of the advances we will get to in a moment and because of the flexibility that a sofa-sleeper allows, they have come back in vogue.

Probably the most arguable point in favor of owning a futon-sofa-couch is its ease of use and convenience. When you do a fair amount of entertaining or hosting, it is likely that you may have some unexpected overnight guests. This is not a problem with a futon sofa-sleeper type bed. This can easily convert from couch at the party to bed for the evening. And, the best part is, it does not lose anything in the way of comfort doing so. If you have ever been a guest at someone’s home who had one of these fold-out couch beds you know how that bar always seems to hit you right in the middle of the back making a good night’s sleep all but impossible. Not so with a futon bed. These are very comfortable and easy to convert. No worry about removing the cushions, folding it out, getting the sheets on, stooping over or stubbing your toes or banging your knees on that hard metal frame.

Another Thing To Consider Is Futon Mattress Material Options

You might be thinking that this is where the old traditional mattress will win out. Granted, there are definitely more options in general when it comes to brands and models of the normal types. However, what has happened is that the manufacturing of mattress materials have changed quite a bit and this has allowed for greater parity between the two. Where you once only had access to spring coils in a traditional bed, now is offered in futon styles. The futon mattress actually has the lead in some categories now! They also have more natural materials offered at reasonable prices, as well as memory foam and toppers.

A futon mattress will help avoid feeling like you're sleeping on a bed of nails.

You could look long and hard for the downside, but you may come up noticeably shorter these days. The old futon that had problems with flattening out after just a little use and becoming landfill material with a short life span is gone. The in-fill now is made with better quality and longer lasting materials. I never thought I would see the day of the individually wrapped inner coil spring futon bed mattress.

Many of the more traditionally produced mattresses contain chemical agents either used in production or for fire resistance that can cause some people health problems. Many times, this is due to the off gassing created by these volatile compounds being released into the home and, specifically, breathing them in while your head is rested and sleeping for hours. Since, they make crib mattresses this way too, if you are looking for your child, you might consider this.

The Traditional Japanese Futon Mattress

No initial discussion about futons would be complete if we didn’t mention a bit about the history of this type of mattress. In a traditional sense, the development of the futon was from a floor-sleeping type of approach. That is to say, there was a mat – tatami – that was used beneath the mattress itself. This mattress portion of the futon is called the shiki or shikibuton or shiki futon. Then, there is an often quilted, soft upper cover portion. This piece is known as the kake or kakebuton or kakefuton. So, what you would have is a two part system that would combine these to give you a traditional Japanese futon mattress. There is more history to this futon story, but you can read more about that by following the link above. The point is that we have adopted the futon and then adapted it to fit our own Western lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with change, in fact, it is sometimes how the most innovative home products come about.

One Closing Thought About Your Futon Mattress

Because of the nature of the flexibility of a futon bed, you may be researching one as a sofa-sleeper for an additional room or as your main sleeping bed in your master bedroom. In each case, a different type of frame could be considered. Because most temporary guest sleeping arrangements require a smaller sized bed, the frame will usually only afford you the flexibility of some minor storage of magazines and such or have armrests. On the other hand, if you go with a queen or king size, you can opt for more elaborate headboard designs that incorporate various shelving and storage. Likewise, the futon frame itself could lend itself to storage options. So, the next time you hear the words “futon mattress”, you don’t have to think that someone is short changing their guests. They might actually be designing quite a flexible yet comfortable and elegant space.

Read full story • Comments Off

Learning About the Futon Mattress

Before you purchase a futon mattress you should think about how you plan to use it. The reason behind this statement is not to discourage you at all, in fact, quite the opposite. The reason is to ensure that you get exactly the kind you are looking for and one that will meet or exceed your expectations. Is this a lot to ask from your futon? Well, if you keep reading, you’ll learn more than you probably knew about futons and why you might just be making an even better choice than you first thought.

I’m sure that you already know that there are many different styles of futon mattresses available on the market. If not, we’ll introduce you to some of those here. If you did know this, then maybe you are just looking for a little more clarity on which one might be the best choice for you. Hopefully, you’ll have a better idea by the end of this article as well.

Futons come in the ‘older’ cotton, poly, and wool blended foam infills as they always have. These styles are more often than not the most inexpensive ones. These are the ones that used to get such a bad rap back when they first appeared on the market in the West. You see, futons have been used for hundreds of years in Asian countries. They are most popular in Japan and it is the traditional style of mattress there. However, the Japanese futon mattress is actually quite a bit different than the style we use in the West.

The Traditional Japanese Futon

A traditional looking Japanese room with futons.

The traditional futon consists of two parts: an upper quilted part called the kake-buton and the bottom, mattress portion, is called the shiki-buton. The way that this system works is that they are both laid on a mat, a tatami, and slept on. In the morning, they are both beaten, traditionally with a bamboo cane, to clean and then aired out to dry. This allows them to be refreshed each morning. It also allows the room in which they were used to be open and ready for other needs. It is part of the lifestyle in countries like Japan where a more minimalist design is appreciated. Photo credit

Like with many great designs, they become adapted over the years and with different cultures. This is just as true with the traditional mattresses as it is with futon design. In the West, we have taken the futon and made it into a more functional piece of furniture. Here, we use them as both sofa-couches as well as beds. The types of bed frames that can be used with a futon vary as well; we’ll discuss this below.

The style of mattress that we have built is a stretch from this traditional style. What we done is make them more like a conventional mattress; adding inner coil springs, memory foam and even toppers. So, the futon of today is nothing like the kind that you may remember from your high school or college days. The reason why those got such a bad reputation was because of poor infill materials leading to a very thin mattress that quickly flattened. This ultimately led to the mattress being uncomfortable and non-supportive, as well as having the bed frame pressing into your back. It wouldn’t be too uncommon to wake up with back pains or other aches related to sleeping on a poor quality mattress.

Futon Bed Frames

The more common types of frames are made of wood. Some manufacturers or mattress stores will include a bed frame with your purchase. These are often less desirable in terms of quality, but this is not always the case. Some frames are made of tubular steel and powder coated to help them resist rusting or corrosion that could damage your futon cover.

A custom mahogany frame with storage.

You can always have a custom bed frame built just for you. These will almost always be more durable and fit your needs and specifications more precisely. Often, these incorporate storage or shelving. They may also include headboards and or other unique features like under-mattress storage.

These frames are typically found in bi-fold or tri-fold styles. The difference in frames comes down to how they will be folded to create the sofa position. It affects the mattress as well. It will be much simpler to purchase a futon that you plan on using more for a sofa to get a tri-fold design. The reason behind this is that it can fold easily into a smaller profile and the mattress will be made of the more flexible materials, like cotton and wool, with the foam inserts. Photo credit

If, on the other hand, you plan on using your futon as your primary sleeping arrangement, then you can utilize either a bi-fold frame or a fixed-platform bed frame. The material used for such a mattress could be one with the inner-coil springs or have a thicker profile. This is what you should consider to make the mattress a more comfortable and longer lasting one.

It is still more likely that your conventionally manufactured mattress will last longer than a futon. Some factors that go into this are the in-fill materials, synthetic fabrics and the frame of the mattress itself. More often than that, however, you will likely be considering a futon mattress as a secondary sleeping situation or for extra seating in a home office or entertainment room.

Alternative Futon Bed Choices

If you share the concerns of many about these off-gassing ideas and threats, then you should examine some of the different alternative forms of futon beds and mattresses. These include things like the organic cotton futon and materials made with hemp. The organic cottons are the easiest to come by and have the most trusted names in the field supporting them. The materials like hemp, bamboo and even choices like wool or latex foam are also available.

You might even be considering a kid’s futon for your child’s first ‘big boy’ or ‘big girl’ bed. This is an exciting time for both the parents and child, so it should be a special bed. The more popular choices for these first beds are the themed beds; cartoon characters, movies, or playful frames made of race cars, princess carriages and the like. These are more for the child than the parent, but the mattress is an important thing to consider as well. Another option is a bunk. There are futon bunk beds that serve the same function and work in just the same way as a traditional bunk bed does. This could have also been included in the discussion of the futon frames above.

You can start with a twin and move up to a full futon when they grow or their room space allows. There are many options here and considering which one is the healthiest way to rest your little one’s head down on each night is of the utmost importance. Research does show how important sleep is and it is even more important for it to be free of gaseous by-products and other harmful chemical residues, regardless if it is for you or your child.

Cost

One main factor affecting cost will be the size of the mattress. The smaller it is, like a twin, the less expensive. There are queen size futons, but you will be harder pressed to find a king size mattress in this style. There are custom orders available for larger individuals, though. In fact, you might be surprised to know that many athletes prefer futons because they can be custom ordered to fit them.

For the more simple versions of this type of bed, you can think in terms of the low $100s USD. This would include styles that are made of just cotton, cotton-poly’s and wools with the various styles of foam padding. For a more luxurious type of futon, with inner coiled springs, memory foam, toppers and the like, you can expect to pay upwards of $500 USD or more. Also, you’ll pay more for the organic cotton futon beds and the alternative materials because they just aren’t as heavily sought after as of yet. These things will change as well.

As your browse around, consider what it is that you really want to use your futon for and then find the manufacturer or site that can best deliver that for you. Brand names, such as Sealy™, Simmons™ and Beautyrest™ all make futon mattresses, so you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable with the quality that is available. Also, you can shop the larger online retailers like Amazon and Ebay to find a better deal. Thanks for stopping by and get a good night’s rest.

Read full story • Comments Off

What About Futon Chairs?

If you’ve found this article, then you already know the many benefits of the futon mattress. How do we know this? Well, if you are actually searching for a futon chair, then you know that the futon is a very practical, comfortable and affordable option when it comes to the sofa-bed market. As is the mattress, so goes the futon chairs as they say. In

This is what we refer to as the 'elegant futon chair'.

other words, the same great qualities that you know and love about your sofa-bed can be found in chair form as well.

Before we talk specifically about their qualities and styles, it might be helpful to realize that there are a wide variety of applications for having one in the home. Your particular use might be more for a home office or den where you can accommodate a guest on short notice. However, you might also be someone who enjoys a little afternoon rest in a cozy little nook of your home with a book and a cup of tea nearby. The chair futon can also be a great option in a child’s room for the occasional – or frequent – sleepover guest. Paired with one of the futon bunk beds on the market and you can actually get quite a bit of extra sleeping space in a relatively small room.

Styles of the Futon Chair

The styles range from the simple to the elegant. What we would call ‘simple’ means that the chair resembles a very basic style of futon unit – essentially, the mattress folded over that fits on a wooden slat frame structure. The twin or single is what is used for these chairs.

This is a more modern looking futon chair bed.

In some cases, the chair takes on more of a chaise lounge style or like one of those old day bed looks. In more elegant styles, the chair has a more formal look about it; proper arm rests and a back and really resembles a chair more than it does a fold-away bed. For the latter of these two styles, you can expect to pay somewhere between $250-500 USD. They come in a variety of wood choices and stains as well as covers for the chair mattress. Just like with any futon cover, these can be cleaned and come in a variety of styles to suit your home decor.

Chair Function

While the main functions are obvious, sitting or sleeping, we can take just a minute to highlight some of their benefits. While you might be looking for one only to use in a guest room, as you just read, the more elegant looking chairs can be displayed and used comfortably in your living room. The more relaxed or simple style of chair can fit right in with a retro or post-modern decor theme and allow for great lounging. You can even pull this one outdoors in the right season to enjoy some great outdoor living with yours. Enjoying futon chairs is as easy as what you have come to expect from the flexible and adaptable futon.

Read full story • Comments Off

Using A Latex Mattress Topper and A Futon Cover

by Michele in Futon Covers, General Futon Mattress Info

The futon has found a new importance and popularity in homes. More people are discovering how futons have the versatility to add more pleasure and usefulness to their furnishings and enhance their lifestyle. Home and apartment dwellers’ new found affection for futons has increased the need for futon covers to protect them. Manufacturers have responded by creating a futon cover for any home’s decor and color scheme, with a wonderful variety of materials, colors and styles to enhance the enjoyment and usefulness of this clever type of furniture.

These covers will guard the futon mattress, as well as allowing the owner to express their decorative skills. Futon furniture styles have come a long way since they first made the long journey to the U.S. from Japan in the 1980′s. They were perfect for college dorm rooms or crowded apartments that needed to maximize the usefulness of every bit of living space. They became associated with people just starting out in the world and who were on a tight budget for furnishings. Now, futons have experienced a renaissance as chic decorating suggestions by classy home decorating publications. They are welcome in fine homes and now include options of superior latex mattresses and matching latex pillow. Manufacturers have created new futons that appeal to lovers of fine things. They have upped the quality of construction and the strength and artistic variety of the frames that now often are extremely decorative and suit many styles.

Futon mattresses are currently manufactured using the finest materials and workmanship, using the latest and most up to date manufacturing techniques. The availability of these superior futons has enlarged the market for them, since they come in so many different styles, and the covers for them are so elegant, colorful and perfect for any home or home. The beauty of the futon is its usefulness as both a bed and an attractive couch for the living room. They make the perfect home addition for those who need an extra bed on occasion for a guest, but need to use the guest room space when not entertaining. This multiple-use capability makes them especially valuable for furnishing small areas. When not converted to a bed they can then provide seating in the home or office areas where additional seating and attractive furnishings are a plus.

Care of Your Lovely Futon

Whether the main purpose for purchasing a futon was as a couch or bed, or regular use as both, the appearance and lifespan will both receive great benefit from futon covers. Most futon mattresses are manufactured from materials such as foam and cotton which will readily absorb any liquids, whether human perspiration, oils or spilled drinks and food. The cover not only shields the futon from stains but from damage caused by sharp or heavy objects possibly causing a rip in the mattress. The mattress can stay clean and looking like new.

Economical

You may choose to invest your money in the latex futon mattress topper. However, in order to protect your futon and receive many more years of use, futon covers make a smart, cost effective purchase. They are very reasonably priced, from as little as $20 up to the larger and more decorative ones that could be $300. When you investigate the variety of covers available you will be delighted with the incredible selection in any style, color and price range you could desire to coordinate with your home or room’s color scheme, decor theme and your budget.

Simple to Use and Maintain

Makers have ensured that their futon covers will give convenient use as well as long use. They are designed to come off the furniture and wash easily so they can be used again and again, and the mattress constantly feel refreshed to the user. Many include a zipper that goes around the perimeter so that it can fit snugly around the mattress but be easy to unzip and take off, then put back on and zip tightly shut. Some use buttons for securing the cover to the mattress, but the security is only as good as the buttons which can get loose. The beauty of covers is that the instant a child drops their drink or the dog jumps on it with muddy paws, you can whisked it off, launder and put it back on. The covers may be hand washable if made of certain materials; many are machine washable, a great advantage to the homemaker who otherwise would constantly worry about accidents by the kids and the family dog.

Decorating Versatility

The advantages of a futon for decorating are many. The furniture makes an extremely attractive sofa and can be purchased in a style that matches any decorating preference, or to coordinate with any existing furniture. Then, if needed, rather than rent furniture or put up a guest on an uncomfortable couch, it becomes a very comfortable bed with a very comfortable mattress, such as a natural latex mattress. If the owner decides to locate the futon to a different room, the simple addition of a new cover can allow the futon to coordinate perfectly with the new room, as if she had purchased a new futon. You can switch the couch covers to suit the occasion, such as brighter colors around certain holidays. Covers come in different fabrics that can give the futon a totally different look. A den where teenage friends gather may want a more rugged look. When the cover wears out or you cannot wash out the stains anymore, simply replace it and the futon stays clean and fresh for use. Replacing covers is a wonderful decorating advantage over replacing an entire piece of furniture.

Fabrics for Futon Covers

You can find any desired look for your futon in the incredible variety of fabric types and styles, from real leather and suede to faux leather and suede, from vinyl to silk or denim and any other fabric imaginable. The fabric should be selected according to the use – an easy to clean material for one that is going to get lots of use by the family animals or by active teenagers; an elegant one for special occasions such as the suede or silk material that feels so wonderful to the touch. A leather cover makes the futon into an impressive leather couch. Since the futon’s cover is not like upholstering that cannot be removed, a new look is just a quick cover change away. The covers can create a comfy, inviting ambiance, a party atmosphere or make a statement if in leather or silk or other eye-catching designs and styles available. The covers can change as tastes and needs change.

For those who want to go green, there are covers made from organic materials such as hemp. These organic futon covers are especially helpful when the futon is used to furnish a bedroom. Since they are free of chemical dyes and artificial materials, they will not cause allergies or emit any strange odors from chemicals. They use only natural dyes, and cotton grown without the use of pesticides. If you know the futon is likely experience water or drink spillage, or is where the pool users will be entering the house and sitting down, then you want a cover that is waterproof to preserve the mattress. Covers are available for those who are very sensitive to allergies, with totally non-allergenic materials that will deter dust mites from occupying the mattress. The mites leave residues that are frequently the cause of skin problems and allergic reactions in those who are sensitive to allergens.

Color and Style Choices

The popularity of futons has encouraged manufacturers to market a wonderful array of futon covers in every color and style. Every individual can indulge their own personal preference and artistic bent. They can change their futon with their mood by just turning the cover over; many are reversible. One side may be one color, the other side a fun pattern. Futon covers are easy to find, with ample selections of sizes and colors but for those who have a special decorating need, or want a themed cover for a special occasion, they can be custom made. There are fabric samples available to choose from so you can pick out the perfect shade and fabric texture to suit some special occasion, or to perfectly coordinate with a different piece of furniture. One popular new design idea is covers with skirts attached to them. The nest effect is to make the futon look like a piece of upholstered furniture, by adding a skirt to both the front and the back of the bed frame. The cover can either be used to completely conceal the frame front and back, or it can be pushed below the mattress in front to display just the frame’s front.

Sizing the Cover

Most covers will fit mattresses up to 8 inches deep. If your furniture’s mattress is 6 to 8 inches, the standard cover size will work. If you have an extra thick mattress, perhaps 9 to 10 inches, you may have to special order the size from the maker. You will need to specify the exact measurements of your mattress so that the manufacturer can make a cover that will fit as you wish. Measurements for a cover include just the mattress, not the entire piece of furniture. The mattress covers come in the standard sizes of twin, full and queen; king is rarer. There are futons made that serve as baby cribs, sofa ottomans or loveseats and chairs, and covers are available for these furniture styles also. The only difficulty will be narrowing down the different colors and styles and making the final selection. The variety can make owning a futon an even richer and more satisfying experience for the home owner, who, with each new cover, has an unlimited number of futons to decorate their home.

Read full story • Comments Off

Futon Bunk Beds Are A Great Option

If you are already a fan of the futon, then you are likely aware of all the changes that have taken place with regard to this highly utilitarian piece of furniture. There have been great innovations in design and mattress materials over the past 20 years or so since the futon made its mark in the West. So, it should come as no surprise that another innovation in the futon world has made an impression here. These innovative futon bunk beds make the most of the traditional Western sofa-bed style with the added benefit of the traditional bunk.

Look at the photo to get a better idea of what it is that we’re talking about. While you are certainly not unfamiliar with the concept of a bunk bed, there are some specific features that may make a futon bunk even more of an attractive option. There are also several different styles of these bunks available making them even more suitable for a host of different bedroom arrangements. We’ll discuss those different options here as well.

To begin with, let’s discuss some of the main features that make a futon bunk bed a better choice than a traditional mattress bunk. For the most part, the reason has to do with the futon mattress itself. Because of the wide variety of enhancements in mattress design and materials, the futon has some unique advantages. There is the traditional futon mattress material like a foam core with cotton or wool wrapped batting. This is probably the least expensive kid’s futon option and can give a child a very supportive and comfortable sleeping environment. Just make sure that your child’s mattress is made of the higher quality foam and that the cotton-poly blend or wool is thick enough to maintain its shape and padding over time. What gave the older futons their bad rap was the way that they would flatten out rather quickly, leaving you with the ability to feel the futon bed frame itself digging into your back. We all know how those sofa-couches have that notorious metal bar that jabs into your back – avoid this problem at all costs!

The most popular style of the futon bunk is with a twin futon mattress up top and the same size futon bed down below. The one below is the sofa-bed style that has made the futon such a comeback in recent years. There are additional styles as well, as alluded to above.

There are also loft style bunks. These are similar to the full size mattresses above, on an elevated frame, with space below. Often, this area can be used for a desk or other storage area. It makes for an elevated bed and a way to keep the other items that accumulate in a child’s room out of the way when not in use.

The last type of futon bunk is quite similar to the ‘original’ model but it uses a twin up top and a full size futon below. This allows for an older or taller child to sleep on the bed below.

All of these traditional bunk bed styles range in price, depending on the type and size of mattress, in addition to the bed frame materials and brand. However, they are roughly in the $350 – 750 USD range. In a child’s room, the bottom sofa-bed portion can be used as an area for friends to hang out on when playing. In this situation, you’ll want to make sure it is covered to be protected as much as possible. There are futon covers that are made especially with a child or teenager’s interests in mind. You can find these covers in a variety of colors and themes to match most any type of decor or bedroom theme. Since you know about the futon bunk bed, maybe you are ready to consider a futon chair purchase as well. These chairs can further compliment a room with a bunk or make an adult’s room or study more flexible as well.

Read full story • Comments Off

Various Futon Cover Sizes and Dimensions

Are you searching for the exact futon cover to match your futon mattress and room decor? You may have been looking far and wide, offline and online. Perhaps you need covers for futon chairs rather than sofa or bed. There is no shortage of variety. There is a futon cover size and shape in any kind fabric and a wonderful variety of colors to suit

The size of the futon cover depends on both the mattress size and thickness - the thickness is really something to pay attention to.

whatever taste you need to please. We want to help you consider some additional ideas you may not have thought of and that will help you pick the ideal futon covers.

You need to line up the following facts and figures about your futon in order to do a successful hunt: what is the particular size of your futon that you need a cover for? If you are looking for bedding for futons, and you have a king size futon mattress, then those are somewhat uncommon and may be tougher to track down in a great variety of fabrics and colors. Single or queen futon covers are more common and you will find a wonderful selection available for those sizes. Most king or California king bed mattresses are traditional types, rather than futon, a very understandable decision for those who are not ardent futon fans like some of us. The twin size is really easy to locate online because makers tend to mix full/twin language at will when describing their products in catalogues.

When you start hunting for the right cover, keep in mind this question: What kinds of furniture or you may say “futo-niture,” have futon covers made just for them? Are you furnishing the guest room, the living room or an entertainment area where the kids can play their games and hang out? These are very popular choices for futons and futon sofa covers allow you to effortlessly coordinate your futon with everything else already in the room where you plant to locate it. For example, cotton twill futon covers and very attractive, comfortable and easy to care for. They are much less costly that suede or leather – you can have several in different colors or patterns so your futon can have a different look for different occasions or times of the year.

Coordinating your futon couch covers with other decorating themes enhances the overall effect of the room. If you have a fun theme or a holiday theme, the couch can make or break it. The futon’s practicality and attractive appearance have led to its being used as the manufacturing style for more than the typical futon mattress with frame.

There are futon chairs, futon loungers and other furniture items that embrace futon’s multiple use format. Their versatility is becoming more and more popular in the current economy as people need to get more out of everything they buy, and can’t invest a fortune in any one item. When more people are living or visiting in a dwelling, there is no need to go rent a room at a motel or rent furniture, or invest in a bunch of furniture. The futon can be used non-stop whether there are guests in the home or not. Guests feel more welcome when they know the futon is always available, and their visit is not going to create a hardship. You can have covers that cater to your different guests’ color preferences or interests. If you need a full futon cover, there is room for a large colorful theme on it for a visiting couple. Visitors will think your guest room has been furnished with just them in mind. The wonderful variety available in futon furniture, covers and bedding gives your artistic imagination plenty of freedom, so enjoy.

Read full story • Comments Off

Learning About Futon Bed Covers

An important topic for anyone selecting futon mattress covers is the safety and health features that some futon bed covers possess. You want futon covers with these characteristics whether using them for yourself or your guests. Concern about materials being introduced into the environment and the need to keep products eco-friendly applies to these mattress covers and slipcovers also. You have choices in the types of organic materials that compose you or

your visitor’s bedding. For example, there have been reports in the media about potentially harmful or irritating off-gassing from chemicals used in manufacture. Many people are not aware of the health effects of mites and dust that accumulate in certain environments. Their effects could be seen in unexpected areas such as snoring, although this is not definite. Some treatments for snoring include oxygen tanks and uncomfortable masks to wear all night. It is possible that simply having cleaner, healthier air might alleviate sinus and similar air passage issues caused by inflammation and irritation.

It is a fact that common, well know and frequently purchased “traditional” type mattresses are manufactured with techniques and products whose chemicals and materials create off-gassing, particularly when they are brand new and not had time to “air out.” The vast majority of mattresses purchased are new. Futon bed covers are not going to be the solution to prevent these products from generating their gas by-products. They are porous, being fabric, and permeable to air and gas. However, if you have invested in a health-smart organic futon mattress, then you want your futon slipcovers and bed covers to enhance the total benefits of your organic mattress.

You may wonder what is different about the materials and manufacture of these organic sheets, covers and bedding, compared to non-organic ones. There are plenty of other brands and kinds of futon slipcovers. However, organic ones, made of natural cotton, have genuine health benefits you and your guests should want to enjoy. If you have certain guests who you don’t want to get too comfortable, that is a separate issue – can’t help you there, sorry! But honestly, you spend a great deal of your life on your futon, whether using it as a couch or for sleeping or for your friends. Your face, mouth, eyes, the air you breathe while laying down and your skin will be in the close environment of your futon many hours each day.

Constant contact with some inorganic fabrics or out-gassing materials can cause irritation whose origin may have been a mystery. Bedding made with organic cotton, free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers will make these close areas less irritating, safer, more comfortable and more inviting to you and those who you have invited to use them. You are also doing your part – and every contribution is important–to expose the environment of everyone on the planet to toxic chemicals, since pesticides and chemical fertilizers pollute the air and soil as well as the plants they are used on.

Organic does not equal dull – most companies who specialize in healthy, earth-friendly fabrics and materials make them visually appealing, with natural dyes and lovely embroidery or stitching, so they are truly a pleasure to own. Responsible companies who care about the environment, and cater to consumers who care, are generally better employers, who do not run “sweat shops,” but form closer partnerships with their employees, who appreciate that their jobs are valuable in many ways. The effects of your going organic and natural reach beyond just the healthy effects in your own environment.

There are choices of manufacturers for these futon covers so you need to do a little online research to find out which ones are truly conscientious about keeping their products genuinely “green.” Other tips to keep in mind, so you will enjoy your slipcover more: make sure the metal used in zippers is brass for superior performance. Also, when measuring your futon mattress to determine the cover size, add 2 inches to the height, since you can expect some shrinking when you wash and dry the cover. When washing futon covers, use a detergent that is mild, biodegradable, and that contains no bleach. Tumble dry in the low heat setting and remove promptly to prevent wrinkling.

There is a wonderful variety of futon cover prices–online is your best source for checking out the various prices, and what higher price merchandise may offer in the way of higher quality, or what special deals are available. Prices should never exceed a few hundred dollars. The size of your futon mattress and the materials of the futon bed cover are the greatest determinants of the price.

Read full story • Comments Off

Futon Slipcovers Are Essential Mattress Companions

A futon gives the appearance of a sofa or chair until it is unfolded into a convenient bed for guests, kids’ sleepovers, or just for lounging in the living room or den. College students enjoy these stylish yet simple space savers in their college rooms or studio apartments. A vast assortment of futon covers are also available to suit the needs of children and adults.

The futon mattress originated in Japan as stowable bedding to be easily stored away during the daytime. This concept was introduced to the western world and evolved into this space-saving furniture as a chair or sofa with the capability of flattening out into a bed. Frames are made from wood, metal, or incorporate both into the design. Mattress sizes tend to be slightly larger than that of standard mattresses. The thickness of the bedding is also much thicker and is offered in a range of 4” to 10” thickness. More comfortable and less expensive than an air mattress, this bedding features soft, medium, or firm support. The Japanese version consists of an interior of cotton, wool, or synthetic batting. The Western style uses batting with multiple layers of foam, memory foam which shapes itself to the body, extremely soft latex foam, or coils as utilized in standard mattresses.

Purchasing a removable futon cover protects the mattress from dust, dirt, food and beverage spills, pet hair, fleas, and other insects. This durable bedding will last even longer when a slipcover is used. It is also an inexpensive way to change the decor of a room at a moment’s notice.

Futon mattress covers are available in endless colors, prints, themes, and materials. The futon slipcover can be manufactured from cotton, cotton and polyester blend for less shrinkage, durable corduroy, and 100% cotton denim which is a heavier material offering extra durability. Hemp coverings are also very durable yet more costly than other materials. Leather futon covers are made from flexible vinyl which stays cool for a comfortable night’s sleep. Its realistic leather grain appearance repels water and is easy to keep clean. Even faux suede and animal print covers are available. Many covers also include a set of matching pillows. Most coverings are machine washable and can be line dried or tumbled in the dryer on a non-heat setting. These covers fit over the bedding and zip closed on three sides. Even with the covering in place, the furniture can still be easily folded back into being a chair or sofa.

This innovative furniture is not just for the bedroom or den. Many people enjoy its benefits in the living room, home office, or enclosed porch. One futon cover or multiple coverings can be easily purchased from department stores, specialty stores, or online for very reasonable prices. Preparing an area for an out of town guest is as easy as changing the slipcover in a matter of seconds.

Read full story • Comments Off

Futon Covers In Organic Cotton and Hemp Materials

If you are an old hippie, man, this article was written for you. Think: futon. Don’t think: smoking futons. There are those who continue to think that “hemp” means only smoking funny tobacco or “down with the establishment,” but, really folks, those days are gone and we will do well to give hemp a chance to redeem itself by letting it serve humanity as it has done in ages past. Hemp has an entirely different and legal use and it has been serving mankind for

Various looks at the hemp before it is made into the cover fabric.

hundreds of years. Even our founding fathers knew about and used hemp rope and hemp oil. What is called “industrial hemp” has many uses.

So why would anyone use hemp to cover a futon mattress? Hemp is green. Meaning, it is environmentally friendly and is making a comeback, especially in the clothing industry. This also means that hemp fabric is now much more available for other uses. It used to be a rather expensive material to purchase, but the cost has been coming down and there are assorted vocal celebrities who are touting and supporting their love of hemp and hemp clothing to a few award shows. Did you ever think to see a tuxedo made out of hemp?

Why would hemp be the fabric of choice for anything, let alone futon covers? Industrial hemp containing less than 0.3 percent THC does not have the same drug-like properties as its cousin the joint and really is meant for common household use. It is often blended with some other conventional fabric ingredient to make a smoother and softer piece of material. This means that hemp and cotton may be spun together to make smooth, comfortable, and breathable fabrics that wear like iron. Hemp is grown and used all over the world because it is so easy to cultivate.

Some folks swear by “organic.” Hemp – being organic – is also hearty. It can tolerate harsh growing conditions, without the need for chemicals to keep the crop profitable and “durability” is hemp’s middle name. You can abuse it and even mistreat it without actually harming it. That is what makes it a great fabric for futons. And it grows really fast. Bamboo fast. It can be planted, grown and harvested in a never ending cycle making it a very “sustainable resource.” Oh yes, hemp is green all right.

If you like the wear of denim – which is cotton, then you are likely to enjoy the wear of hemp – especially if it is mixed with cotton. The usual ratio is 55 percent hemp and 45 percent cotton. They both age very gracefully. The feel of hemp when it is new is slightly stiffer than cotton but with wear and use it softens up becoming very comfortable, just like your favorite denim jeans do. Except that hemp is not blue, it usually comes in its own natural tan color and its own highly organic texture. Pair this type of cover with your organic cotton futon and you’ve got the makings of a healthy and organic ‘sleep system’ – next, the sheets! You can throw this in the laundry just like any cotton item, too. So when your organic hemp futon cover “ripens” you can toss it in the wash without fear. Give hemp a chance. You may find you like it better than plain ordinary cotton for a futon cover.

Read full story • Comments Off

Futon Mattress Covers Add Functional Versatility

In case you have not noticed, the futon mattress is not just for dorm rooms any more. This versatile piece of furniture has now found its way into homes everywhere and they are not just for the budget conscious either. Even people who can afford the best money can buy are opting for the chic designs that the modern futon makers have to offer.

A cover will help this futon last much longer. It doesn't need to be decorative, however, since this futon will be covered in sheets.

Regardless of why this shift in mindset has occurred, the fact remains that now, more than ever, the modern homemaker is searching for stylish futon covers to match their interior decor. Fortunately, there are several choices when it comes to selecting fabrics and futon cover patterns for your home.

One of the advantages of having a futon is the ability to instantly transform the look and feel of any room just by changing the futon mattress covers. Plus, the possibilities are endless when it comes to choosing size, fabric and style and you will be able to find something to fit absolutely any budget. Your standard cotton cover in a solid color or with a basic pattern will be priced at a very reasonable $30, give or take. If you have your heart set on something luxurious and special, you can pay $300 and even more for quality leather futon covers.

Another advantage with futon slipcovers is how easy they are to use. Changing the cover is so easy, anyone can do it and it takes not time at all to give the room an entirely new look in just a few minutes.

The hardest thing about using a futon cover is choosing which one you want to buy. That is where this website can be invaluable to you. We can tell you everything you need to know and if we happen to miss something, just stay tuned right here because we will get it covered in another article sometime in the very near future. We will be discussing anything and everything that you can imagine that is even remotely related to futons. Plus, since we are not selling any particular one, odds are you’ll get a fair assessment of the basics. Just because you use the internet as a source for your discount futon cover, that does not mean you have to sacrifice quality.

Other posts on this site focus on various fabrics and their specific advantages and disadvantages, as well as the styles of futon mattresses and other futon bed accessories. The items we discuss may not be cheap futon covers but they are not made of gold either. Even if you have already made up your mind about which fabric you want, you really should wait before you make a purchase. If you have your heart set on leather, we probably will not be able to sway your opinion, and besides, we think leather is pretty cool, too. People are choosing futon covers for their own bedrooms as well as their guest rooms for many different reasons.

Our goal is to make this site a place where you find out everything you need to know about selecting and purchasing affordable futon mattresses and chairs to furnish any room in your house. You can have them covered in virtually any fabric you like including cotton, satin, leather, velvet and, silk or even hemp. The best fabric is something that is easy to clean and very durable. A cover that is easily removed can be thrown in the wash and replaced with very little effort on your part. Try to choose a cover that has a zipper to make cleaning even more convenient. Simply unzip the cover, remove the mattress and launder the cover.

Even if you have a tight budget, you can still get a quality cover. One thing you can do is purchase ordinary cotton sheets and a durable futon cover. You can then cover that with a discount satin cover. This bargain item can make your futon seem more luxurious. Luxury does not have to come with a high price tag when you are looking for bedding, a comforter and a futon mattress.

Read full story • Comments Off

Futon Covers: Information and Overview

While the majority of the information you’ll come across on this site relates to the futon mattress itself, there are accessories and other bedding items that may also fit your needs. Futon covers are just one such accessory. Our aim lies in helping you locate answers to common questions related to the topic of protecting and enhancing the appearance of your living space and futon. As you are aware, function is not the primary focus when you are attempting to cover something like a mattress. This goes for beds and outside furniture. You could simply put a plastic bag on your sofa-sleeper if it was that simple. The majority of grandmothers underwent those methods and we

all know how that went for them – remember those clear plastic furniture covers? Their sofas never aged, but you had to bear the uncomfortable feeling of sitting on plastic stuff that had the tendency of sticking or sliding during the summers months.

The brand new covers are far from being like those old plastic ones grandma used to have. Your search on the internet will yield various types of sites depending upon the method in which you are searching and the specific accessories you are looking for regarding your futon. You must decide how you will place the cover on the item, find out what it is manufactured from, and discover what style of frame you are using now. There are so many different choices available for your selection. You may never experience boredom with your sofa-sleeper again. There are also chaise lounge futons, futon mattresses, and futon chairs that have different types of patterns, colors, styles, and covering materials.

How You Will Use Your Mattress Will Have An Influence On The Style of Futon Cover You Select

Now, we will cover different topics and address some questions that surface when owning a convertible sleeper-sofa, home decor, and entertaining overnight guests. Consider this brief article your entrance to the spectrum of how a futon cover can provide you with its vital benefits.

Normal tear and wear is expected with your futon. Your futon sofa may not need that extra protection. It mostly depends on its usage. Are you constantly entertaining guests? Do you only have guests come over periodically? The answer to these questions will determine if you need that extra protection. Protecting your futon should not be strictly related to what function it serves, but also how fashionable it is. You can add a flair and your personality to this aspect of the bedding accessories.

Futon slipcovers are available in different patterns that is suitable for a variety of tastes. You can easily use the cover to improve the appearance of the room without being too overbearing. Covers are available from solid colors that are related to primary colors, muted colors, and eighties colors such as neon or pink. Patterns are also available with flower designs, animal prints, and more sophisticated styles as well.

Consider The Function When Choosing Certain Fabrics For Your Futon Mattress Cover

Choices on fabric will also play a role when you are selecting your style of covers. It is wise if you go with a fabric that blends well with its most common uses. For example, going with a linen type or microfiber suede cover is not a good idea when you have kids and animals in the home. This is where common sense should start to kick in. You will probably be better off with leather as it will bear the pressure and force of kids and pets. Cotton blends and cottons with a patterned print is a favorable selection that will stand the test of time in a play area for children.

A recent surge has taken place with the popularity of futons in homes. A shift towards contemporary and even that traditional Japanese look is currently taking place globally. Basic frames and futon beds are very popular for collegiate dorms and provide a more utilitarian purpose versus a fashion cause. However, in more expensive residences, futon sofa-sleepers provide the perfect answer for singles and newlyweds that seldom entertain or have house guests. They function extremely well in a home, office, and guest room. The futon is great if you happen to use yours to seat extra guests in a room that is used for entertaining.

Putting your slip cover on the futon gives you some options that you have never thought of. Planning ahead should encourage you to purchase several covers. You can change them whenever the mood hits you. Select the cover with a bold color, patterns, and animal prints when you are looking for more spark in your home. Selecting an elegant pattern or muted color is great when you are attempting to create a more subdued or intimate feel.

Covers for your favorite futon can be a reflection of your personality or creativity. Home owners that are green conscious can choose from natural organic materials such as hemp as an option for a futon cover. One’s personality will influence their creativity when its time to make a final decision for covering a couch or sofa. Using covers is less expensive and less frustrating than painting the room or purchasing new furniture. You can easily order your cover, have it shipped expediently to your home, clean it, and start using it within one week.

Whatever your tastes are, you can shop confidently knowing that there are futon covers that will work perfectly for you. Wishing you well! Happy shopping!

Read full story • Comments Off

An Organic Cotton Futon Mattress

There has been a tremendous push in the last 5-7 years to go ‘green’ with all things related to the home, whether they be household products or things like cleaners and even food choices. This whole movement has come about because we are thinking more proactively about the way we use our products and the way in which we co-exist within our environment. So, it should come as no surprise that the

Some organic cotton ready to be used for your futon.

place where we rest our heads each night should be as healthy as any other. This is especially true if we are talking about a child’s bed. Photo credit

Your kid’s bed is the place where they will fuel up and heal and do all the other magical things that happen to the body with restful sleep. The last thing that you would want is for you or your child to be breathing in toxic fumes or gasses each night. Of course you don’t want this, however, you might not even know it exists. There has been a large trend in children toward more cases of asthma and allergies than ever before. The scariest part about it is that we don’t always know why this is the case. There are theories and we know that air pollution, pollens and other airborne issues are part of the problem, but this is not the complete answer. The real question is what can you do to help with the outcome.

One thing you can do is use as clean a bed as possible. Clean not in terms of having the sheets washed thoroughly, though this helps, but having the mattress be as healthy as possible. This is often referred to as a natural mattress. It is really nothing more than a mattress constructed of materials that have not been treated with chemical agents to make them more easily grown or processed. There are other ‘natural’ choices, too, like a latex futon mattress made of natural materials. Another term for this could be organic.

This organic futon looks just like any other - it's what it's made of that matters.

In this case, an organic cotton futon is a very feasible and popular choice. While these are not quite yet the mainstream way to buy a mattress, they soon could be. If you knew how healthy organic mattresses were, you would be more than willing to pay slightly more for them. In terms of a conventional organic mattress, the price tag might be in the thousands, not hundreds, even for a queen. If we’re talking about a futon mattress that is constructed of organically grown cotton or other organic materials, like hemp, the cost is still higher than that of a traditional futon, but much less than the conventional style. An organic queen size futon is more likely to fall within the $500 USD range – much less than a traditional bed!

Just like with our foods, organic properties ensure that at least you are starting with a chemical free product. This doesn’t mean that you will end up with something that is completely free from agents that may or may not affect sensitive folks, but the chances are much more in your favor going organic. A natural mattress implies that these materials were harvested and grown in a way that Mother Earth intended.

There are also organic clothing items that are reported to help people in the same way that we are discussing here. So, whether you fear the off-gassing that has been anecdotally reported to cause a wide range of health disturbances or you just want to get a great night’s sleep resting your head down on an all natural mattress, maybe even covered in organic bedding, either choice ends with a great result. You can’t go wrong with a natural organic cotton futon as your primary bed or in a child’s room.

Read full story • Comments Off

$latex futon mattress$

A Latex Futon Mattress

There was a time when the futon was considered nothing more than the cheap man’s mattress. It had some things going for it, but the materials and the craftsmanship were lacking. This was likely due to the way they were put together, mostly in other parts of the world where quality is not the highest scrutinized aspect of production. Well, times have changed for these mattresses. Now, you can find a futon mattress with many of the same benefits that you would like to find in any more conventional mattress choice. What was once considered mostly the domain of the college-bound or bachelor has become the territory of those seeking restful and rejuvenating sleep.

Originally, futons were made of only cotton or wool. Then, there were also mattress infill materials that were made of a cheaper foam material. Not only did this material have issues with allergies and been implicated in other health-related issues for sensitive people, but it is simply not durable. This foam would often become flat or lose its supportive nature in a short period of time. While the cotton and wool were more natural choices, they too can suffer from some of these ‘flattening’ issues over time.

Latex Futon Mattress and the Traditional Futon

So, now here we are, several decades later with our modern versions of the futon. Keep in mind that in places like Japan and other Asian countries still use a more traditional Japanese futon. These have a two-part futon made of an upper, quilted topper and a lower mattress component. The futon as a convertible bed-sofa is an invention of the West. This isn’t a bad thing, it just goes to show where we’ve gone in search of a better night’s sleep. The newer materials like latex, a hypo-allergenic product, are making many people sleep better at night. Some latex mattresses and pillows have made supportive sleep are reality for many people who struggle with getting a good night’s sleep. While these mattresses are made wholly of latex and the pillows too, there are ways of benefiting from this material and not have your entire mattress made of it.

How this is possible is because some of these same technologies have been employed in the futon mattresses that major mattress manufacturers produce today. The larger companies have realized that there has been a big shift in thought and perception regarding the futon. These particular futons often layers of the cotton or wool materials wrapped around a latex foam core. This gives the futon superior comfort and much more support. There is also a latex mattress topper that can be a great solution for this type of mattress. If you’re looking for a better night sleep, consider the latex futon mattress.

Read full story • Comments Off

Futon Mattress – Perfect Choice For Asian Bedding

Because futon mattresses are made with the original intentions of creating a style that is both comfortable and convenient, they have become very popular again in the Western world. Their origins are from the traditional Japanese futon mattress. Because of this tradition, they have the ability to work quite well with Asian bedding, prints and designs.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the Japanese futon has been completely adopted, because certain aspects have definitely been changed for our tastes. For example, the thickness of the mattress and how it basically goes together is a bit different. In fact, the Japanese style has two parts, one of which is the mattress and the other part is the quilted upper piece. These are both used in combination with a mat, a tatami, for the traditional sleeping or bedroom arrangement.

The Japanese bedroom invites the outdoors in.

Just because this is the traditional or classic way of using a futon, it does not mean that you have to adopt this exact style in your home. If you have an Asian-inspired theme to your home or room in question, then by all means it may make perfect sense. However, with bedding, you have many options with which to work.

The futon mattress is a great place to start for bedding because they are quite simple in design and will usually take on whatever style is being used with them. So, for example if you choose to have an Asian themed room, the bedding can be traditional in both colors and patterns. Now, we would need to define what type of Asian culture you are looking to emulate, as they do vary.

However, for the sake of this article, let’s talk briefly about Japanese design. With this, simplicity and elegance are the goals. But, rather than seek elegance from overstated pieces and eccentric looks, the Japanese style is more simple and refined. Clean lines and a limited color palette are more classic. New trends emerge, but this is what has been most characteristic of this culture.

So, imagine a simple vase on a bookshelf, maybe a small sculpture on a nightstand with a simple light. Prints in this room might be of landscapes or a modern image. Colors would typically include, reds, whites and blacks. Rich looking woods like cedar and teak tones are also appreciated, though a lighter pine works well also.

As far as the bedding goes, let your Japanese futon mattress dictate the answer there. Based upon your other artwork and themes in the room, let your simple tastes flow. Don’t worry about matching a specific piece to this or that. Let the overall design of the room flow more organically. This will help your Asian bedding appear to be more of natural part of your overall theme.

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Futon Mattress: 3 Reasons For A Good Nights Sleep

While the most common look on someone’s face is still a bit confused when you tell them about the quality of sleep they can have on a futon mattress, this trend is changing. This is because the old futon is no longer what you can expect when it comes to sleep innovation. What do we mean by ‘sleep innovation’? For starters, there are ways of making mattress materials now that are much more comfortable in terms of support, but also in terms of body temperature control as well.

Don’t confuse this with those old waterbeds that had the ability to heat or cool the water. While that was quite innovative at the time, we know now that those mattresses provided little support and were more of a fad than

Maybe your futon mattress will help you sleep like this again.

anything else. So, these innovations, along with some of the other inherent qualities of the futon make it a great bed for getting a good nights sleep. These newer futons, just like the best neck pillow you can find, offer great support for quality sleep. Without any further teasing or introduction, let’s dive into these 3 reasons why the futon mattress just may end up replacing your traditional bed when the time comes. Photo credit

3 Reasons to Choose A Futon Mattress

1. Support
There are a wide variety of mattress styles available now that claim to offer you back and neck support. You’ve heard about them all, some have their own infomercials on Saturday morning television. Some of the most popular are the memory foam mattresses and the air mattresses that you can control individually from side to side.

Actually, there is nothing wrong with either of these. They can both be quite comfortable and do have their pluses. The thing is, futons have some of these same options as well. With the exception of individually tailored air chambers, there are memory foam futons and futons with individually covered coiled springs.

You might actually prefer something along the lines of the traditional futon mattresses that were made with layers of wool wrapped around a latex and cotton core. These provide much in the way of support. The material is quite dense, making the mattress feel very firm and, well, supportive. This type of wool style has other benefits which will be discussed in a moment.

2. Moisture Control
Not the most common thing you’ll hear when talking about a good night’s sleep, but the fact is we do perspire when we sleep. If you are sleeping on a mattress that traps body heat or cannot adequately allow your body to vent the moisture, you will be very uncomfortable. So, this is yet another one of those benefits touched upon with respect to the wool style – it is moisture wicking by itself, no extra ‘technology’ required. One more thing that wool has in its favor is the fact that it is naturally antimicrobial. So, it helps to eliminate the problem with mold growth and other problems associated with moisture buildup.

Not all futons have this as their material make-up, so keep this in mind. In fact, the honest truth is that it is mostly the older futons that utilized this material. With the push to more of the inner coiled spring styles and the ones memory foam and other ‘contemporary’ mattress materials, this moisture-wicking aspect afforded by the wool may be harder to come by.

3. Cost
This is one of the main reasons that the futon gained so much attention in the 1980s here in the United States. Traditionally, the futon mattress has been used for many hundreds of years in the Far East. Many Japanese still sleep on a traditional Japanese futon with the upper quilted “kakebuton” and the mattress part “shikibuton.” Here, to buy a new mattress that has the qualities of support and other comfort features mentioned, you might be looking at spending upwards of $800 USD or more. With a futon mattress, you can expect that price to be in the range of $250-600 USD, depending upon size of course. Also, many futon manufacturers will include a frame for your new futon with that price. Now, if you want a more custom futon bed frame, then you can expect to pay for that.

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Do You Really Want A Cheap Futon Mattress?

Sometimes, there are more important things to consider than just the price. Is this the case with a futon mattress? You can decide that for yourself, but let’s just take some points to heart and see where they lead. It is never a good time to waste money, we would all agree on that. Needless markups and phony sales, these are very common fears that people have regarding the mattress industry. Futons are no exception to this. Maybe you are wondering if your futon is from overseas, built with inferior products and made to less-than ideal craftsmanship standards. More legitimate concerns.

In fact, there is something to be said for paying for quality in the case of futon mattresses and we’ll tell you why. If you are not sleeping on a quality mattress each night, then you will be waking in the morning not feeling as rested or

This is a rendition of the simple futon mattress.

rejuvenated as you possibly could. This will affect not only your physical well being and energy level, but your emotional well being as well. This is how important a good night’s sleep can be. And, it is very possible that a cheap futon mattress might not be affording you this opportunity.

A Cheap Mattress Doesn’t Mean A Poor Quality Futon

Don’t be fooled, you can find a good quality futon mattress at a good price. The whole point of this article is to show you that cheap as in poor quality is not the way to go. True, poor quality does translate into a cheap price as well and this is the problem. If all you are doing is shopping for your mattress by going for the cheapest, then that is exactly what you’ll get – get the point?

Please don’t misunderstand the point. Hopefully, you will find the cheapest price for the best choice of futon that you like to suit your sleeping and home decor style. After all, there are many that come with great deals on futon bed frames, covers and mattress combinations – they’re hard to pass up. However, wouldn’t it strike you as a bit odd if you found a mattress for under $100 USD (new)? Wouldn’t you be a little suspect as to its quality, materials and craftsmanship? Again, that’s up to you and your discretion.

With the different types of futon beds that are available now, just shopping by price may cost you in the long run. You can get a futon mattress now that has the same type of memory foam and mattress topper found on conventional mattresses. In addition, you can get a futon covered in any number of fabric patterns and materials that would make any interior designer proud. To wrap this article up, shopping for a cheap futon mattress is one way to go, it just might not be the best way to go if you plan on using your futon for you or your child’s primary sleeping arrangement that’s all.

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Your Futon Mattress Can Set The Right Stage For Quality Sleep

There are really many ways to benefit from better sleep. In this article, we will discuss really 7 key tips to keep you rested and feeling rejuvenated upon waking in the morning. The ideas presented in this article were brought to our attention from an article written by a chiropractor. You would think that they have some idea as to what to do to keep your body aligned properly and positioned correctly in order to get a good night’s sleep.

Well, you would be right in that regard. Though this doctor did not mention the “futon mattress” specifically as a way to achieve better sleep, he did mention many aspects that can easily be applied to the futon. You’ll shortly see why. However, first let’s briefly mention what this article is going to address. The topic of sleeping position, pillows and mattress choices are all discussed in other posts here on this site. You can find them through the appropriate links.

This sleeping environment includes a stuffed animal.

So, consider these ‘lucky 7 tips’ the best ways to maximize your chances – your chances of having the best quality sleep. Isn’t that really the trick. We have all had times when we crashed or passed out but didn’t feel particularly rested or rejuvenated in the morning. Always a problem with the bed, probably not. Okay, so listen up and take note, you don’t want to sleep through these great tips.

Maintain a schedule: Your body runs in cycles. Sleep is one of our body’s main and important cycles. By going to bed and waking up at about the same times each day, your body’s cycles can be maintained and reinforced.
Eat right and avoid heavy meals: This is especially true regarding dinner. You don’t want to eat a large meal within a few hours of your bedtime. Also, spicy and greasy foods are not the best choices to help you have restful sleep. If you have a small or sensitive bladder, you will also want to avoid too much fluid just before bed.
Get regular exercise: You already know this, but exercise has many benefits, one of which includes better sleep. However, do NOT exercise just before bed. Your heart rate and energy levels will be up making it difficult to rest.
Create a serene environment: Your bedroom should be your little sanctuary. You should feel calm and centered even laying in your bed. Make sure that the sights, sounds, smells, etc. are all such that it facilitates restful sleep and peacefulness.
Avoid sleeping during the day: You can take a 30 min nap in the middle of the day, just avoid a long one. Excess sleep in the daytime will cause your internal clock to go haywire again.
Get yourself a bedtime routine: Whatever you do (take a bath, read a book, do your breathing exercises, put on your soothing music, etc.) make it consistent. Also, having your lights dimmed will help your body make an easy transition to sleep time.
Go to sleep when ready: How you know you are ready is that you should fall asleep fast, within 20 minutes or so of when you lay down. If you are not asleep by then, get up and do something that is not too stimulating, then come back to bed when you are tired.

There you have it, the 7 lucky tips. See, it isn’t too much of a stretch to suggest that futon mattresses could play an integral role in helping you with restful sleep as well. These tips could be applied to any bed. However, we know that the advances with futons and their general level of flexibility make them a great choice for sleeping or otherwise.

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

The Futon Mattress and Your Sleeping Environment

If you have ever had problems sleeping or otherwise have had a difficult time feeling rested from sleep, then you are among a vast group of Americans who suffer with the similar situation. The good news is that in most situations the problems have little to do with things that are beyond your control. And the ones that are not under your control, well, those are a bit more a challenge. We’ll get to that in a minute, but first consider how your futon mattress may play a role in helping you get better sleep.

Notice the clean lines and focal points.

Traditionally, the futon has not been the ‘go to’ choice regarding comfort and better sleep. That is, not until recently. This is all because of the designs in futon mattresses making them more user and, more importantly, sleeper friendly. Improvements like with the memory foam, mattress toppers or inner coiled spring options have made the futon as much a part of any mattress comparison you might make. The purpose of this article, however, is to make this whole notion of the sleeping environment with respect to your futon more of the focus.

What Is The Sleeping Environment and How Does Your Futon Mattress Affect It?

This term ‘sleep environment’ is a relatively newer term and it relates to the space around which you get your nightly 6-8 hours of peaceful sleep. Well, this is the hope any way. So, this term is what refers to the entire environment: the sights, the sounds, the smells, the bedding, your mattress, your mood, etc. It basically refers to everything that might pertain to you entering into that dreamy state. Since your futon mattress is what you lay your head down on each night, this is how it fits into the story. And, because a futon fits into the décor and style of homes with other great sleep environment features, it is a good example to use. Your traditional mattress can also be fine in helping to create a good sleep environment, but you’ll see why a futon bed is best.

Basically, it has to do with design. The less visual clutter you see in your bedroom, the better. It has everything to do with how anxious we feel when we see a lot of things and ‘stuff’ around us. The simpler the better in the bedroom, at least this is what the researchers tell us. Research has also suggested that the serene quality of calming music, a soothing aroma also contribute to a relaxing bedroom. Some studies also suggest that you don’t need music or calming sounds, but even just good silence will work – no loud voices, car sounds, screaming kids, you know the drill. But, you don’t need researchers to tell you how to get better sleep. If it looks and feels calm, it probably is.

Notice the warmth and color choices here.

This is why Japanese Zen designs tend to work so well in a bedroom. That peaceful and un-cluttered quality makes them a great way to decompress. This necessary decompression is what lets you release the anxiety and tension from the day. Clean lines and simple design don’t give your mind more stimulation when it is time to quiet down. Since futon mattresses are part of a traditional Japanese bedroom, it just makes sense to use one if that is the design style you are after. However you decide to create or enhance your sleeping environment, the key is to make it a place where your body can tune into its necessary rejuvenation and unwinding properties, allowing you to feel refreshed and alive each morning.

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Japanese Futon Mattress

Often times there is a misconception that simple means cheap or stripped down. This is definitely not the case and doesn’t need to be true with your home or bedroom design either. The futon mattress made popular from Japanese influences is just one example of this. Times come and go, as do fads. Interior design and trends in furniture, bedding, paint colors and layouts all change. This is the nature of home and interior design. However, some things are timeless. Take for example the traditions of the far East – specifically the Japanese futon mattress.

You might not be aware of the fact that the traditional style of futon in Japan is to use a two-part system. The upper portion of the futon is called the kake-buton or kake-futon and is often a soft, quilted layer. The bottom portion is the mattress layer, called the shiki-buton or shiki-futon. These are laid on the tatami, a traditional mat.

In the morning, these pieces are both taken out and beaten with a bamboo cane – another traditional – and then hung to dry in the morning air. This is how they are cleaned and refreshed each day. Then, the room in which they were used is open and has more space to allow the chi to flow more gracefully through. This is another element to Japanese design.

Japanese design has always shown simplicity of lines and elegance by way of using the harmony between design and function. Throughout history, some cultures come by their way of style through necessity or lack of available resources. There are certainly times in all countries where this is true. However, Japanese design has made a large impact on many interior design concepts for decades here. After all, it has been around for thousands of years.

Japanese Futon Beds And Décor

This is just a sample of one type of Japanese decor with a futon bed.

There is a simple elegance that you see and feel when you enter a home that has a Japanese inspired design. You don’t necessarily have to want to have it for your own home, though you may once you enter one, but you must appreciate its understated elegance. Japanese design is not just about futon beds and rice paper doors. These are just elements that make up part of an overall continuation of an understated connection between indoor and outdoor space.

Photo Credits

Having less in the way of objects and clutter makes your space feel more relaxing and welcoming. This is the case with the futon bed frame as well. The more traditional style of Japanese bed frame is to have it low to the ground. These frames are often made of wood and are left in their natural wood finish. Frames made of cedar or local wood source are common. The traditional way to have a bedroom arranged is to have the futon sitting on tatami mats. These mats were originally designed for nobility and the upper class. So, you see, even this feature of simplicity has been passed down.

This sketch of a modern Japanese room includes a futon mattress with headboard.

There is nothing wrong with adapting the Japanese style to your home. You don’t have to be a purist or try to re-create a Japanese bedroom within your home, but you can use some of the elements to create a more peaceful living space. Your Zen bedroom could simply be a futon mattress on top of a raised bed frame that you already own. There are a variety of futon mattresses that are as comfortable as your current bed, you might be surprised. You could also eliminate some of the clutter from your bed stands or shelves and choose to have a bed frame that incorporates some storage for you. Many times, it is what you see that causes you to feel anxious or hurried. If your clutter is out of site, but not out of reach, you may notice you feel more rested and relaxed in your sleeping space. Photo Credits

Read full story • Comments Off

Futon Mattress Beds For Children