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.

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 futon cover dimensions or 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.

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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.

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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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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.

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.

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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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.

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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

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.

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.

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