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.
]]>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
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.
]]>You might not be aware of the fact that the traditional 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 and Oriental decor.
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 Decor
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.
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 mattress and bed frame design 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.
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 Japanese 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
Here is what some older futon mattresses felt like you were sleeping on, but not any more...
What Size Futon Mattress Are You Wanting?
This is the first question you’ll either need to answer for your space or you’ve already got that one figured out. Say you’re going with a queen futon mattress. OK. Now, what brand? What materials for the mattress itself? How about the cover? Then, there are futon covers that can range from whimsical to elegant that simply slide over and zip around the bed mattress for extra appeal. First of all, determine the best overall size your bed should be in your room. Most designers prefer to use smaller beds (usually traditional beds are used but the same rules apply for futon beds) as models because it makes rooms look larger. You can capitalize on this strategy as well, making sure your bed size doesn’t overpower your room or space. Positioning your futon at an angle or away from the wall with a stand or lights behind it are also ideas that can make your room appear more spacious.
Do Mattress Materials and Brands Really Make A Difference?
About mattress brands. More than the brand itself, what is most important is the quality of craftsmanship and also the materials used. You’ll know what brands stand out as you begin to see what materials are used as fillers in the futon mattress itself. If it is sold as a set, you can get an idea as to quality based upon the frame material as well. As a general rule, quality hardwoods and nicely formed metal frame pieces indicate better quality than cheaper unfinished wood choices and poorly assembled metal frames.
The Secret Ingredient In Futon Mattresses?
Infill and cover materials for your bed are very important if you consider how your health can be affected by the materials you rest your head on and breathe in for nearly 8 hours each night. Some of the cheap futon mattress manufacturers will use materials that have properties to them that create off-gassing. This means that you are breathing in the toxic fumes for hours at a time as you are sitting or sleeping. The best choices in this regard are the cotton futon mattress, wool, organic cotton and even latex foam materials. You see, there are more choices than you might have thought. You can choose from materials that often are not financially readily available even with traditional mattresses. One choice that is becoming more and more popular is the choice of organic cotton. Organic cotton is made without the use of pesticides and does not create any harmful off-gassing products. The standard futon cover (the one usually stitched over the mattress) can be made of organic cotton as well. In fact, a common choice is to go with a cotton or cotton/wool infill mattress with an organic cotton cover.
Then, there are literally dozens of more decorative futon covers that can zip around your mattress to add another dimension of your personal taste. As mentioned, you can also get a latex mattress (think futon memory foam mattress) and even inner coil mattresses that are comparable to your traditional mattress style. The most important thing next to getting the right size and materials is to get the right fit. The right fit between your futon mattress and you that is. Make sure it is comfortable. With the right materials and the proper fit, you’ll enjoy your futon chair or mattress for years.
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