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. 

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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!

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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.



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What You Need To Know About A Futon Mattress

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.



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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.



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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.

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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.

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.

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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.



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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.  In conclusion, shopping for cheap futon sets or 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.

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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.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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