Evolution of the Futon Mattress
If you intend to change your old futon mattress with a new and comfortable one, you have to know that on the market there is a wide range of models that you can choose from. A mattress should first be able to make you relax in peace. Over time, mattresses have evolved and manufactures have produced different categories in order for you to choose the one that you think will be most comfortable.
If you didn’t know, futon products that are an important part of this sleep category, have also evolved. What used to be considered more of an item for a teenager or college student is getting more and more likely to show up in modern homes. Initially, a futon mattress was simply a cotton and foam pad, essentially. The major transformation of futons happened sometime in the 1990s on a wider scale, when manufactures decided that was time to infuse the cotton futon with different combinations infill materials. This included things like coiled springs and other foams.
Of course, the technology continues evolving and so is the futon mattress. Manufacturers try to make them more comfortable and more durable by using high quality materials. The most important thing about a futon is that they use a very flexible material that molds perfectly on any platform. There are a wide variety of products made based upon this type of futon frame. Things like futon chairs and chaises are also available. Who would have known, right?
These types of futon mattress can still be found in teenager’s bedrooms and college dorms but only because they are so flexible and inexpensive, it isn’t because of poor quality. But before you purchase this type of mattress, it is good to keep some details in mind. A futon bed has some specific points worthy of mentioning; key to these are durability and size. It is most common to find futon beds in sizes like fulls and twins. It is possible to find them in queen sizes, but you will have a very hard time finding a king-size futon.
About the durability. While the materials and manufacturers are producing a quality product, it is still possible that you will find a traditionally made mattress will likely outlast your futon. This is due to a variety of reasons. One reason is that synthetic materials are often used to make traditional mattresses and frames. They also utilize a different spring structure and padding. However, you will likely pay hundreds more for a traditional mattress, so the cost-benefit will often favor a futon. There are, after all, certain applications where a traditional bed and frame will simply not be possible or convenient to use.
Also, before you make any decision to purchase a futon mattress, you have to think how you will use it. In other words, where will it be going in your home; a home office, guest room or your primary sleeping arrangement. The answer to this question will have a big influence on the type of mattress that is recommended for you to order. If you think that the futon will only be used as a primary sleeping bed, you are advised to find one with a thick mattress and more supportive springs or memory foam. Thinner mattresses, while still useful for other applications may cause you an uncomfortable night’s sleep. You might be interested to learn that the traditional Japanese futon is made of two different parts, the bottom part and the top quilted portion. These combine to make the style used in many Asian countries – they don’t use them as sofa-sleepers.
If you think that the futon that you intend to purchase will be used as a sofa-couch most of the time, you have to take into consideration that the mattress has to be very flexible. That’s because it will be folded very often. In this case, you might be more inclined to purchase a futon with a thinner mattress profile with a cotton or wool and foam infill mix. Mattresses that have different types of foam in their composition can also be easier to keep their shape with continuous opening and closing. This type of mattress has the property that it can conform very fast to the different shapes.
There are many companies from which you can purchase a futon. Even the big names, like Beatyrest™, Simmons™ and Airlay™ just to name a few, are in the futon market, so you shouldn’t be timid about making a purchase. These mattresses range anywhere from $120 USD to upwards of $500 USD or more. Some, on the lower end of this range do not include a bed frame, so that is something to consider as well. You can purchase them directly from the manufacturers in many cases or a simple search online will reveal sources as well. As you might imagine, places like Ebay and Amazon can be great places to read reviews and even make your futon mattress purchase.
What Type of Futon Mattress
These days most homes have a futon sofa bed somewhere in them. Although when someone tells you that you have to spend the night on a futon bed you tend to cringe at the prospect of an uncomfortable nights sleep. Lots of tossing and turning and no a lot of sleeping. Though this is generally because most people who buy a futon buy it only for guests spending 1 or 2 nights on so don't spend a lot of money on the mattress and go for the cheaper option. Thankfully there are plenty of options out there for the people that do want spend a little bit extra and get a higher quality futon mattress.
Cotton Mattress
This is the original futon mattress. Simple and comfortable layers of cotton. Cotton mattresses come in 3” to 9” deep variants. The thicker mattress you go for the heavier they will be and hard to move around. When you first get your new cotton twin mattress it will be soft, but over time it will begin to get firmer. Although they are old school, many people still opt for a good old cotton mattress.
Cotton Foam Mattress
Foam was added to the cotton mattress to extend the life of the mattress. Adding foam has some advantages over pure cotton. The foam core is much lighter than cotton therefor decreasing the overall weight and making it easier to handle and move around. It also keeps the mattress in the correct shape when the futon is folded up into the sofa position. It also makes the sofa more natural feeling when you sit on it. The foam core also lets you choose how firm you want the mattress to be, going from soft to medium and cushiony feeling and up to very firm. There are many advantages to cotton foam and many options available.
Inner Spring
The innerspring mattress is relatively new to futon beds. New designs have made it possible to use sprung mattresses on futon sofa beds. The spring mattress is totally different from cotton and foam. It offers a more natural sleeping surface, somewhat closer to a traditional beds mattress. The springs help it to keep shape and doesn't suffer from indentations so there are no dips or impressions on the surface. They are also very comfortable when folded up in the seating position. They are slightly more expensive than the cotton and foam mattresses but they are well worth the extra cost.
The best way to figure out what mattress you want for your futon is to go and try them out for yourself. Any good retailer will have a wide selection to choose from and to try out. If you know what you want try the online stores and you will probably find some great deals.
Futons are Versatile
There are some additions you can make to your home that will have more uses than others. A futon is one of those things. They really are great, they come as beds on their own, sofa beds and in a number of sizes and finishes.
A futon bed is a great addition to any room in your house, be it your family room, living room or spare bed room. They are extremely adaptable pieces of furniture to have at home.
There are hundreds of futons on the market, there will be one to suit every room and be a fine addition to your home. If you struggle for space to have a spare bed in your house then having guests over for the weekend or for holidays could be a struggle, a futon bed is a handy and comfortable solution to your problem. They take up considerably less room than traditional pine bedroom furniture.
A futon mattress can be folded away when its not in use and be kept in a cupboard, or if you opt for a futon sofa bed then it can be folded up into a comfortable sofa. When needed they easily fold out into a comfortable bed.
Futons are very versatile, they can easy be changed and adapted to convey many moods. a simple switch of the futon cover and you have a new mood. Or even move it to another room with a different colour scheme. There are literally thousands of possible options when it comes to changing your futon cover, go to any furniture store and see the vast selections available.
It also makes keeping your futon sofa clean, simply swap the covers and clean the old one. There is no rushing around trying to clean and dry one cover when you are expecting guests any minute.
When buying your futon you will no doubt be given an choice of cover finishes to choose from, obviously you need to choose one that matches your décor. Or buy several to keep you room looking fresh. There are many choices of style available, from modern to classic designs. Pick one to work with your room. If you cant find a futon that you like the look of you may want to have a look at a platform bed. If you don't need your bed to fold away then these beds are another great option.
Have a look at the stores online to get an idea of the options available to you regarding the futons and finishes available and what will suit your home best. There are several big name stores online that you can order your new futon from and have delivered right to your door. Make sure you know who you are buying from before you give out your details online.
Futons are great in the home, when you have one you will see that you have added freedom to your home allowing friends and family to stay without worrying about where they are going to sleep and whether or not they will do so in comfort. A good mattress cant be stressed enough though, spending the extra on a high quality item is well worth it, and your guests will thank you for it.