If you're looking for proper bedding for the guest room or need a smaller yet supportive mattress for the narrow hall, then I recommend that you invest in the best futon mattress!
However, what exactly can Japanese futons do and what are the best mattresses to choose from? As you'll find out later ...
Product Comparison Table
Top 5 Best Futon Mattresses
Based on my research, tests, and overall customer reviews, these are the top five best futon mattresses to choose from:
What I love most about the DHP Premium Futon is how soft and comfy it is! For a convertible futon mattress, I was quite surprised with how great it felt when I first tested it out. I was so sure that my guests would appreciate it when they do spend the night at my home.
I had my sister visit, and she slept over, using this mattress throughout the night. I asked her how it was, and she said she didn't have any complaints and slept straight!
There aren't any problems with it, and I appreciate how easy it is to fold and unfold, great for a quick remedy if you have extra guests or want to save space in the room. However, I do wish it was a bit stronger, as it does wear out after constant folding and unfolding.
At its inexpensive price for both a sofa and futon mattress, I can say it's definitely worth the price!
- Easy to convert it to a sofa or bed
- Soft and comfortable for great sleep
- The mattress inflates to full size quickly
- It would wear out if you fold and unfold it too many times
- A bit of a pain to remove the mattress upon receiving
If you're looking for the traditional futon, then I recommend the EMOOR Japanese Traditional Futon Mattress, which is best-known for its ultra-comfort despite it being laid out on the floor.
I was quite a skeptic of testing out futon mattresses because I thought it would take a toll on my back. However, this product changed my mind, and I was quite shocked with the outcome!
For starters, it comes at a basic and simple design, which I'm sure many minimalists would appreciate. Furthermore, it has the soft yet firm feel to it, which I presumed would be great for my back.
After about three days of adjustment, I experienced waking up feeling refreshed and with less pain compared to before.
The futon is very thick but folds easily, and it doesn't flatten out. It's known to last for up to three years, so we'll see! I feel like it's possible, so I'll keep you updated on that.
- The mattress is soft yet firm feel to relieve pressure
- It’s easy to roll and store
- Made of durable materials and can last for up to three years
- Not machine-washable, better to use a cover
- It takes a few days to get used to, may feel pain at first
If you're on a budget, then I would recommend that you get the D&D Futon Furniture Traditional Japanese Mattress. I commend it for its basic design and performance, which is more than what I expected from a product of this price range.
It's compact for narrow spaces or to bring around when traveling. Furthermore, it feels almost just as good as a normal mattress, with better firmness but still plush enough to prevent back pain. I wake up feeling great, and I can roll it up and place it in the cabinet.
While I wish it were a bit wider, I would merely suggest that you get one of a bigger size, if it can fit well in your room.
I will recommend this product if you want something firm, easy to store, and cheap. It's great for sleeping in the long-term or for your guests!
- Comes at an affordable price with great value
- Lightweight and easy folding, perfect for bringing it around
- Offers adequate comfort and support for any sleeping position
- There’s a strong odor when you receive it
- Not as thick as expected for some
The Serta Cypress Futon is pretty straightforward and made of innerspring, which offers a slight bounce and adequate support for better sleep.
First of all, its convertible so you can use it as a sofa or bed, making it multi-purpose and space-saving for any room. Its queen size can also be great for multiple people (up to two medium-sized people or three small-framed ones) to sleep on comfortably.
I was the one who tested it, and I have no complaints. It works just as advertised and is considerably more affordable compared to any other futons you can get.
I don't see this as permanent bedding, but more so of a temporary bed for your guests for a few nights.
Overall, I believe it to be still affordable and at an attractive design that will make the room fuller and with more purpose.
- It’s recommended for guests and provides adequate comfort
- Has an attractive design to match any room
- No odor and inflates quickly after receiving it
- A bit tricky to fold the mattress back to a sofa
- There are some complaints of the springs poking after half a year
What makes this product different from the others is that it is made of high-quality memory foam, as opposed to the others I have discussed earlier.
This convertible sofa offers the right about firmness and conforms to your body excellently, which has me wake up feeling a bit better.
However, do take note that it doesn't completely take away body pain! It does minimize it though, which is still a huge plus for me in getting a futon mattress.
I primarily use this for my guests, but U would also recommend it for the long-term, especially for those who are looking for a space-saver that keeps you comfortable and without much pain.
Furthermore, my guests have had no complaints and enjoyed their sleep so far, and based on my tests, it passes my expectations and will be used for the guest room.
- Incredibly comfortable and conforms to the body well
- Convertible and saves on space, easy to fold or unfold
- The right amount of firmness that minimizes pain
- Has an odor despite cleaning, comes away during weekly cleaning
- Mattress puffs up that there’s a bulge when converted to a couch
What Is a Futon Mattress?
The common idea of a futon is a sofa which can double as a guest bed or the traditional Japanese bedding made of a mattress and duvet.
Benefits of Owning a Futon Mattresses
You're probably wondering: Why bother getting the futon couch bed? Why not get any other type of option for the guest room or living area?
Even I was wondering the same thing, as I thought futon mattresses weren't as comfortable as others! However, they do have their advantages, such as:
1
For Extra Guests or Minimalists
If you use the Japanese mattress, then it's great for extra guests if you don't have a guest room (or if it's occupied). It can also be used for minimalists who don't want to take up as much unnecessary space as they live their lifestyle.
Futon mattresses convertible to a sofa can serve as a double purpose, which is another reason why it's great to add to a living area or guest room. You have a couch AND a bed if needed!
2
Supports Your Joints
You'll be surprised, but because a Japanese mattress is a bit on the firmer side, it can be better for your back, spine, and posture. Sure, you'll need a few days to get used to sleeping on a futon, but once you do, it'll be worth it!
3
It's Easy to Clean
What's excellent about futon mattresses is that they are lightweight and foldable, meaning they can be cleaned and sanitized easier than traditional, heavier mattresses.
All you need to do is to hang your futon under the sunlight to kill bacteria or to sprinkle baking soda and vacuum it to kill the odor.
4
Frees Up Space and More Purpose to the Room
Whether it's a convertible or Japanese floor mattress, you get to save a ton of space as it can be folded back to a sofa or going into a cabinet. It's very beneficial for those who have a small room or narrow area to sleep.
That way, the room you or your guests sleep on can serve as another purpose, may it be for parties or as a home office/study. Plus, it's great for those who stay in a hostel or for sleeping in the office (those long hours to put a toll on your back, and it's better than resting on your desk!).
How to Select the Best Futon Mattress?
A futon mattress is quite advantageous, but only if you select the right one suitable for you or your guests! With the many brands available, it can get quite confusing. So here are some tips and factors to help you make the best futon mattresses:
1
Size and Thickness
Measure the space you have for your bed area. You can find futons that come in twin, full, or queen sizes, while king sizes are a bit difficult to find. People who need to save on space are better with twin-sized futons, while others will find more comfort in full or queen-sized ones.
If you are using a bed frame for the futon mattress (usually the wooden one used in Japanese traditions), then make sure that the mattress fits the frame properly!
I highly recommend that the thickness should be around three inches (for the floor) or eight inches (sofa) for better comfort and support to improve on your sleep.
2
Purpose and Where to Place It
Will you need the futon mattress to act as a sofa, or need more space to free up when it isn't required?
If you want the sleeping area to be used as a lounge or living room for parties, then a convertible sofa futon mattress works well. However, if you want it bare and apply for another purpose, then a Japanese shiki mattress will work.
3
Price and Durability
Consider your budget! You'll want to make sure that you invest in something that's worth the price and will last longer. Futon mattresses can go for lower rates than the usual (between $60 to $200), which is beneficial.
However, ensure that they are made of robust materials built to last long. Take note that these mattresses can last for up to three years with proper care!
Care and Maintenance
Now that you're familiar with what you need to know about the japanese futon beds, how can you properly care for it? Here are some extra tips to follow for keeping your mattress cared for and comfortable for you or other sleepers:
Other than caring for the mattress, there are extra tips on how to make it more comfortable for you or your guest:
Bonus: Types of Mattresses For Various Bed Platforms
Not just are the futons mattresses, there's more! For those who are looking into mattresses for different types of bed platforms, I researched to show you the best one for each platform.
1
Folding Mattress
An alternative to the futon is folding mattresses, which offers the comfort one needs whether they're in a hostel, office or have smaller space in the house. Plus, it comes at lower prices!
The Olee Sleep Tri-Folding is an excellent choice as a folding mattress. Not only is it easy to store, but it's made of memory foam to conform to your body, keeping it supported and free from aches and pains compared to sleeping on the bare floor.
2
Sofa Beds Mattress
Sofa beds are advantageous for those who don't have guest room but would like to accommodate family or friends sleeping over without scrimping on comfort.
So, if you're keen on looking for a comfortable addition to your sofa, then I recommend the Zinus Cool Gel. It's a bit thinner than the other mattresses but made with memory foam and cooling gel for the supportive feel.
It's also breathable and will keep your guests sleeping well without complaints.
There are more options to choose from, check out here to learn more about it! >>>
3
Mattress for Murphy Beds
Another space-saving frame is a Murphy bed, which are known to be attached to the wall and brought down when needed. That way, the area can be used for another purpose without it taking up so much room!
LINENSPA Hybrid mattress is my choice, as it lightweight and thin enough to fit the murphy bed without scrimping on comfort. It feels as soft as it looks, and I've had great nights of sleep here at a more affordable price.
Wrapping It Up
If you're looking for an adequate bed for the guest room or living area for family members and friends, then the folding futon mattress will work well. It's way more comfortable than sleeping on the couch or carpeted floor!
Of all the different types of products tried and tested, the DHP 8-Inch Premium is on the top of the best mattress. It can act as a couch and convert to a bed within a minute, which is what makes it a great addition to guest rooms, the living area, or my home office. That way, my guests don't have to sleep uncomfortably.
- Independently, superbly pocketed 15-gauge pocket coils that help provide equal weight distribution by contouring to the curves of your body and relieving pressure points along your neck, shoulders,...
- Quality foam and polyester layering between cover and coils for optimal comfort. Microfiber mattress cover.
- Fits any standard full-size futon frame (sold separately).
- Foam in this mattress is made without PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (“Tris”) flame retardants, ozone depleters, mercury, lead and heavy metals. Meets federal flammability standard 16 CFR 1633. Foam is low...
- Mattress dimensions: 75"L x 54"W x 8"H. Net weight: 59 lbs. Shipping dimensions: 59"L x 13"W x 13"H. Gross weight: 71 lbs.
Hopefully, this purchasing guide on Japanese futon beds gave you an idea on what you should invest in for good sleep! So don't wait any longer and look into any of these products today.
If you have any questions or want to share your reviews and experiences on Japanese mattresses, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated.