The 9 Best Futon Mattress for 2021 | Ultimate Guide & Reviews

Futon mattresses are a great alternative to traditional beds. You get all the benefits of standard mattresses, but can also use them as a couch for sitting, take on camping trips, surprise guests and more!

They come in several different styles, types and sizes. So, it’s important to know what to look for to find the best futon mattress.

I have been using futon mattresses since I was in college, more than a decade ago, and still have one in our den today. I’ve went through many different styles and types and I am happy to share with you the futon mattresses I have enjoyed and what makes them so great.

What is a Futon Mattress

What is a Futon Mattress?

In case you’re one of those people who aren’t sure what a futon mattress is, I’ll explain below.

The word “FUTON” comes from the Japanese word which means “Bed” or “Sleeping Mattress”. Futon beds first appeared in Japan and were the standard beds they all slept on. They placed the futon mattress directly on the floor and slept on them.

Since then, futon beds have changed and spread across different parts of the world. They became even more popular in the 20th century as travelling became more popular.

A futon is a bed that consists of 3 main parts; Futon Mattress, Futon Frame and Futon Cover. They are known for being easy to assemble and don’t require much room. You can find them in college dorms, toddler bedrooms, hospitals and many more places.

Another reason that makes futon mattresses popular is their cheap price. Compared to a full size bed, futon mattresses can save you hundreds of dollars. However, if looking for a more comfortable sleep, here’s our review of the best bed in a box.

The 9 Best Futon Mattresses for 2021 Comparison Chart

There are several companies that make Futon Mattresses as well as several different types. This article will guide you to find the Best Futon Mattresses for 2021.

To start we have listed all the futon mattresses that have an excellent rating in an Easy-to-Read Comparison Chart. Here you will find a list of the Main Features that make these futon mattress better than the rest.

PhotoNameMain FeaturesLink
DHP
Independent Encased Futon
  • Best Overall Futon!
  • Independently Encased
  • High-Density Foam
  • Microfiber Cover
Check Price Photos & Review
Artiva USA
Sofa Futon Mattress
  • Best Futon for Sofa!
  • Innerspring Coils
  • Poly-Cotton Cover
  • Made in the USA
Check Price Photos & Review
Emoor
Japanese Futon Mattress
  • Best Japanese Futon!
  • Firm Back Support
  • Sandwich Quilting
  • Made in Japan
Check Price Photos & Review
Classic Brands
8-Inch Futon Mattress
  • Best 8-Inch Futon!
  • Independently Encased
  • Wrapped Coils
  • Microfiber Cover
Check Price Photos & Review
Mozaic
Twill Futon Mattress
  • Best Twill Futon!
  • Memory Foam
  • Poly-Cotton Cover
  • Made in the USA
Check Price Photos & Review
Serta
Innerspring Futon Mattress
  • Best Innerspring Futon!
  • Lace Tufted
  • Medium Support
  • Made in the USA
Check Price Photos & Review
Luxton
Japanese Shiki Futon
  • Best Shiki Futon!
  • Firm Support
  • Relieves Back Pain
  • Multi-Purpose
Check Price Photos & Review
Milliard
Tri-Fold Sofa Bed Futon
  • Best Tri-Fold Futon!
  • Collapsible & Foldable
  • Different Sleep Positions
  • CertiPUR Memory Foam
Check Price Photos & Review
Nirvana
Loveseat Futon Mattress
  • Best Loveseat Futon!
  • Twill Fabric Cover
  • Made in the USA
  • 3 Year Warranty
Check Price Photos & Review

Expert Reviews of the Best Futon Mattresses for 2021

1. DHP “Best Overall Futon Mattress”

DHP “Best Overall Futon Mattress”
Click to See on Amazon

We will start our reviews with the 8-Inch Futon Mattress by DHP. The company is a division of Dorel Industries Inc. which makes and imports many different Home Furnishings.

The design of the DHP futon mattress is Trendy and Stylish. It uses “Independently Encased” spring coils that are separately encased. This provides equal weight distribution and contours to your bodies curves.

You can only order this futon in Full Size which measures at 75 x 54 and is 8-inches thick. If you’ve never owned a futon before, I can assure you that 8-inches is the ideal thickness without becoming too bulky.

Pros
  • Ideal Futon Mattress Thickness
  • Independently Encased Coils
  • CertiPUR Foam
  • Contours to Your Body
Cons
  • Only available in full size

2. Artiva USA “Best Futon Mattress for Sofa”

Artiva USA “Best Futon Mattress for Sofa”
Click to See on Amazon

The next futon mattress in our review is by Artiva USA. The company has been manufacturing and designing futon mattresses for over 15 years. They operate out of their facility located in Southern California.

Artiva USA uses innersprings to provide support and durability for years and years. The cover is a blend of Poly-Cotton with a 23-lace tufting.

The mattress is only available in Full size which measures at 74 x 54 inches and is 8-inches thick. Any full size bed sheet will fit this futon nicely.

Pros
  • High Quality Made in the USA
  • Foldable and Easy to Store
  • Soft Poly-Cotton Cover
Cons
  • Only available in full size

3. Emoor “Best Japanese Futon”

Emoor “Best Japanese Futon”
Click to See on Amazon

Third on the list is a futon mattress from Japanese company called EMOOR, whose vision is to introduce Japanese culture through their product all over the world. They also make tatami mattresses, futon covers, pillows, and furniture.

Classe series has been around for a long time. Japanese craftsmen upgraded and perfected this product to meet customer satisfaction. The tri-fold design makes it easy to store, and thanks to its low weight, it’s highly portable. These are some of the reasons this mattress is gaining popularity.

It can be placed on your current mattress to add thickness, or you can use it as a bed on its own. It’s also great for people who love the minimalist lifestyle.

This futon is around 2.5 inches thick (8 cm). Although it looks fluffy, there are two firm polyester pads with soft filling between them, which provides good support for your back. You might benefit from this if your job requires sitting long hours behind a desk. It’s firm, but not too hard and will give you a good night’s sleep. The outer fabric is 100% cotton.

It’s available in many different sizes:

  • Twin 39 x 79 in (100 x 200 cm), 10.2 lb (4.5 kg)
  • Twin-long 39 x 83 (100 x 210), 11 lb (5 kg)
  • Full Size 55 x 79 in (140 x 200 cm), 14 lb (6.3 kg)
  • Full-Long Size 55 x 83 in (140 x 210 cm), 13 lb (5.9 kg)
  • Queen 63 x 79 in (160 x 200 cm), 16.7 lb (7.2 kg)
  • Queen-long 63 x 83 in (160 x 210 cm), 16.4 lb (7 kg)
  • King 71 x 79 (180 x 200), 18.05 lb (8 kg)

Since the futon mattress is non-washable, it’s recommended to use a cover.

Pros
  • Good for your back
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to storage
  • Space-saving
Cons
  • Might be too firm if you prefer a softer mattress.

4. Classic Brands “Best 8-Inch Futon”

Classic Brands “Best 8-Inch Futon”
Click to See on Amazon

The company called Classic Brands is devoted to providing the finest mattresses using innovative design and premium materials. Their Customer service is handled at their headquarters just outside of Baltimore. They also have a warehouse in LA, which allows them to ship to their customers all over the States.

Classic Brands also offer adjustable beds, bed frames, sheets, pillows, and other bedroom accessories.

Their 8-inch Futon Mattress fits any standard full futon frame. It has an Individually wrapped coil innerspring system topped with sturdy microfiber cover and supportive foam. This ensures durability, comfort, and resistance to wear and tear. You can choose between black or brown color.

The microfiber cover makes it easy to keep the futon clean. All you need to do is wipe it with a damp cloth. This mattress folds easily, so you shouldn’t have any trouble storing it. When needed again, it bounces back to its original state.

It can also be used on bed frames (with foundation). You can set it up as a couch in your living room, or place it in your bedroom for a good night’s sleep. This futon is made to last long.

It’s only available in full size: 54″ x 75″ x 8″, 63 Lbs (137 cm x 190 cm x 20 cm, 28.5 kg).

What’s also very convenient about this futon is the removable cover that can be washed and replaced.

Pros
  • Easy to clean
  • Easy to store
  • Durable
Cons
  • Only 2 colors available (black and brown)
  • Heavy

5. Mozaic “Best Twill Futon”

Mozaic “Best Twill Futon”
Click to See on Amazon

The MOZAIK Company offers many handmade products. They sell not only futon mattresses, but also cushions and pillows.

Their full-size 10-inch futon comes in many different colors, allowing you to find the perfect mattress that will fit your style. The available colors are: Ivory, khaki, black, navy, red, blue, hunter green, and burgundy.

The convoluted memory foam is wrapped in a mix cotton blend, which is then coated in a resistant poly-cotton blend cover. It is lace-tufted into the mattress, and that gives it a sofa-like appearance.

This futon is only available in the full-size, weighs 47 pounds, and measures 75 x 54 x 10. For some people, this mattress might be too soft and fluffy, especially if you need firm support for your back.

It can be used on a full-size futon frame or a platform bed and is ideal for small apartments or student dorms. Either as a couch or a bed. It’s also possible to use both sides of the mattress.

If you need to clean the futon, it’s recommended to wash the spot with cold water, but avoid using abrasive cleaners. Since the cover is not removable, it’s best to dust it with a dry cloth.

Pros
  • Many different colors to choose from
  • Memory foam
  • Reversible for extended care
  • Sofa or bed position
Cons
  • Comes only in full size
  • Might be too soft if you prefer firm mattresses

6. Serta “Best Innerspring Futon”

Serta “Best Innerspring Futon”
Click to See on Amazon

Serta is the Largest mattress brand in the USA, based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Their futons are made by their oldest licensee – Wolf Corporation, which is also the oldest mattress manufacturer in the United States.

This 8-Inch Serta Cypress futon has an innerspring core that provides a good support system. The spring unit is sandwiched between two high-density CertiPUR foams, and it’s all surrounded by three layers of heavyweight cotton fiber blend. The mattress is lace-tufted to prevent lumps and shifting of materials, and you also have an option to choose from five different colors: black, white, khaki, green, and gray.

The cotton pique fiber and CertiPUR foams are made without ozone depleters, flame retardants, and heavy metals. Another good feature is that this mattress has low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions, which provides better indoor air quality.

It comes in Full size, which measures 75 x 53 x 8 inches and weighs 60.7 pounds. The Queen size is 80 x 60 x 8 inches and 68.7 pounds.

The Cypress futon is more resistant to folding due to its construction, but it’s still possible to bend it into a sofa. It’s also double-sided and can be easily flipped.

The cover is not removable, therefore it’s advised to use a protective sheet. In case of any stains, use a damp cloth.

Pros
  • Durable and resistant
  • Double-sided
  • Low VOC emissions
Cons
  • Difficult to fold into a sofa
  • Currently available only in Full size

7. Luxton “Best Shiki Futon”

Luxton “Best Shiki Futon”
Click to See on Amazon

Next on our list is a futon mattress from a company called Luxton Home. They specialize in manufacturing traditional Japanese futons, also called Shiki futons, and their mattress is specifically designed to help relieve back pain.

This futon is six inches thin. You will be sleeping on a firm surface that will help support your spine. This leads to fewer back problems and will improve the quality of your sleep. What makes this futon popular, apart from the health benefits, is its multi-purpose usage.

It’s antibacterial and hypoallergenic, which makes it safe for babies and many different skin types.

It can be easily folded and used as a yoga or meditation mat. You might also find it very handy during your camping trips. Thanks to its lightness, traveling and moving around will become much easier (the twin long futon weighs only five pounds).

The Luxton Home Shiki futon is available in three different sizes:

  • Twin long 28.8 x 20.5 x 6.2 inches, 4.6 pounds
  • Full long 6 x 23.8 x 6.8 inches, 13.35 pounds
  • Queen long 6 x 30.1 x 6.1 inches, 15.85 pounds

The fabric is 100% organic and natural cotton. It only comes in the white color, but you can put a cover over it, which will also serve as stain protection.

Pros
  • Relieves back pain
  • Lightweight
  • Portable
  • Space-saving
  • Multi-purpose
  • Easy to store
Cons
  • Some people might find it too firm

8. Milliard “Best Tri-Fold Futon”

Milliard “Best Tri-Fold Futon”
Click to See on Amazon

The company Milliard, with its office in New Jersey, started as a family business selling candies. They have expanded tremendously over the past ten years, now also offering pet supplies, pool supplies, personal care items, toys, and bedding.

The tri-fold mattress is made out of CertiPUR Certified high-density Foam. It is light and easily portable, hence good for use while traveling.

You can set it up as a couch or a bed. It unfolds quickly and doesn’t require much effort. This especially comes handy whenever you have unexpected guests. College students or owners of small apartments will benefit from this. As a more comfortable alternative to air mattresses, it’s great for use on the go as a take-along mattress for camping or RVs.

The cover is removable, which makes it easier to clean. All you need to do is undo the zip, take it off, and put it into a washer.

The Milliard mattress is available in navy blue color. It measures 78 x 58 x 4.5 and weighs 33 pounds. Storage Dimensions are 58 x 29 x 14.

Pros
  • Multi-purpose
  • Portable
  • Easy to store
  • CertiPUR foam
  • Removable cover
Cons
  • Available only in one color

9. Nirvana “Best Loveseat Futon”

Nirvana “Best Loveseat Futon”
Click to See on Amazon

Last on our list is a futon from an American company called Nirvana Futons. They have built quite a good name for themselves by designing high-quality futons and a wide range of other related products.

You can find their futons in a variety of different colors. The simple, minimalistic design gives the product a retro appearance.

It’s upholstered in durable twill fabric, and excess tufting ensures that the material remains in place, reducing shifting and lumpiness.

Here are the ten colors you can choose from: black, burgundy, green, ivory, khaki, brown, microfiber khaki, navy blue, red, royal blue

The core is constructed of a high-density, multi-layer block foam, and then enclosed in poly-cotton fill. This blend reduces moisture and maintains moderate body temperature.

It fits any standard Loveseat futon frame and doubles up to a full-size bed. This mattress has been designed to offer medium support.

The company offers sizes not only for beds and coaches but also for chairs. Here are all the available dimensions:

  • Chair: 28 x 54
  • Chair Ottoman: 28 x 21
  • Twin: 39 x 75
  • Twin XL: 39 x 80
  • Loveseat: 54 x 54 x 10
  • Loveseat Ottoman: 54 x 21
  • Full: 54 x 75
  • Queen: 60 x 80
Pros
  • Three years warranty
  • Variety of different colors and sizes
  • Maintains moderate temperature
Cons
  • Might be too high

Futon Mattress Benefits

Benefits of a Futon Mattress

In this section, you will find a list and explanation of all the benefits you will get with a futon mattress.

Convenience: Futon Beds don’t need much space and are easy to set up. Setting up a futon bed can be done in a few simple steps. It only takes a couple of minutes and can be done on your own or with a little help from someone else.

Jump to How to Setup a Futon Bed!

You can find futons in Twin, Full, Queen or even King Size beds. However, the most common size for a futon is Full and Twin. This allows you to use any bed sheets you already have and save yourself the time to look for new ones.

Great Value: Since futons don’t provide all the bells and whistles that modern memory foam mattresses have, they won’t come with the hefty price tag either.

Many futon beds can convert into couches or benches for sitting as well. Making them serve more than one function and can save you from buying another piece of furniture.

Comfort: As I mentioned above, futon mattresses will not provide the most comfortable night’s sleep, but they will do the job quite nicely. Futon mattresses are best for small spaces or as temporary guest beds. So if you’re looking for a more comfortable sleep, try one of these Zinus memory foam mattresses instead.

Futon Mattress Types

Different Futon Mattress Types

In this section, we will go over all the different types of Futon Mattresses you will find. We also provide some examples of where you will find each type being used today, for a better understanding.

Japanese Traditional Futon Mattress: Japanese futons are the oldest type of Futon Mattress which started it all. They are easy to adjust and you can fold it into different shapes. They are mainly used directly on the floor without the need for a bed frame.

Research shows sleeping on a flat and hard surface can provide relief from common back aches and back pain. Which is why these are the best futon mattress for sleeping on the floor.

Encased Coil Futon Mattress: The next type of Futon Mattress you might want to consider is “Encased Coil”. These are commonly designed for Sofa Beds and Adjustable Beds as well.

The Futon is divided into sections of two or three at a time. The sections are connected by the cover and can be separated at times. As the name suggests, each section will have coils encased within them. Making them the best futon mattress for adjustable beds.

Memory Foam Futon Mattress: You will also be able to find futon mattresses made with memory foam. They provide the maneuverability for adjustable beds and Sofa Couches but without any springs or coils.

Memory foam futons are lighter than spring mattresses and have a wider range of sizes. It also provides more comfort for longer periods of use. This makes them perfect for College Dorms and Toddler Beds.

Innerspring Futon Mattress: The final type of futon mattress you will find is Innerspring. These are a blend of Memory Foam and Innersprings, very much like a Hybrid Mattress.

The innersprings of the futon are separated into sections to help it fold and change its shape. You will find these on Adjustable Beds and couches, and are perfect for Hospital Beds.

Futon Mattress Buyers Guide

Guide to Choose the Best Futon Mattress

Above we went over the different types of futon mattresses to consider. In this section below, we will go over important factors to look for in the Perfect Futon Mattress.

Futon Cover Material: Futon mattresses come covered in a variety of materials to choose from. Depending on your sleep habits, one type will provide more comfort than the other. You can find them covered in Soft Microfiber, Durable Cotton and even Cool Bamboo Cover.

So if you’re a Hot Sleeper, you will definitely want to get a Futon with a Bamboo Cover or use separate set of Cooling Sheets. But if you need something simpler and less expensive, you should consider a Microfiber Futon mattress instead.

Futon Mattress Sizes: Futons come in all the standard sizes that we are used to. But if you’re not sure which size mattress you need, you can check out our Guide to the Different Mattress Sizes for help.

However, if you sleep on a custom sized bed, you will need to consider a memory foam mattress which come in special custom sizes.

Sleep Comfort: Another factor to consider is Comfort. To some, comfort may be the most important factor, when looking for the perfect futon mattress, and not all futons are designed for comfort.

Futon mattresses are more functional than comfortable, and that’s what made them so popular. You can sleep on it at night and convert it into a sofa during the day. But this maneuverability takes away from its comfort. For the most Comfortable Futon Mattress, your only option is the Hybrid Innerspring.

Futon Mattress Thickness: Since futons are designed to be functional and serve as multi-purpose mattresses, you will not find very thick ones. Bending and moving a standard thickness mattress is more difficult than a thin futon.

Sectional encasing helps to make thicker futons more manageable and more foldable. But the thickest futon you will find is around 10 inches.