Best Rated Futon Mattress For Sitting in the Sofa Couch Position for 2017

For those that are going to use their futon as their daily sofa or couch for sitting, rather than an occasional guest bed, need to realize that your comfort is all about the mattress you choose.  Many people who have slept or sat on a futon and did not like it is usually due to the inferior quality of futon mattress.  Because this is America, we have freedom of choice, choice that is for your futon mattress.  One important factor to take into account when using choosing a futon mattress for your bi fold frame, is the thickness.  Many cheaper futon mattress can be less than 6" thick.  Futon mattresses less than 6" in thickness are better used on a platform bed or on the floor.  If the mattress is too thin, the seating becomes way too deep and your feet won't touch the ground.

A good ideal thickness for a futon mattress on a bi frame is between 7" to 10" thick, most fall between 8" to 9".  Keep in mind that there is a difference in the sitting feel between a full and queen size frame.  A queen size frame is perfectly fine as a sofa, however a full size is more ideal and proportionate to the average body size.  A queen size frame will have a higher back and may feel like you are being pushed a little forward.

As for the type of futon mattress to choose, you can go with either cotton and foam, or all high density foam no cotton.  All cotton futon mattresses with no layering of foam will not keep their shape well and will become uneven in different places of the mattress.   Also, the lack of foam will cause the cotton to eventually clump together and flatten around the edges.  Your once 8" futon mattress will soon become 5" after a short period.  Innerspring futon mattresses are not ideal for long periods of sitting for adults.  This type of mattress is better used in the bed position.

As for the best cotton based futon mattress with foam, you can either choose from the following three that are recommended by Dr. Futonberg.

• 8" Double Foam by Gold Bond
• Moonlight by Gold Bond
• Feathertouch by Gold Bond

The first cotton and foam futon mattress option is the 8" Double Foam.  This mattress is okay and adequate, but not nearly as good as the Moonlight mattress.  The 8" Double Foam contains two 1" thick slabs of foam sandwiched between the cotton.  This is simply a cheaper option.

The Moonlight mattress is the best choice of cotton and foam futon mattresses because it contains 6" of foam in the core middle of the mattress, surrounded by 3" thick of cotton batting, giving it a total of approximately 9" thick.  Because the foam is configured in the core of the mattress, the futon will sit evenly giving you the best of both worlds of plushness and firmness.  Remember that cotton alone is firm. Configuring foam in the mattress will help keep the shape of the mattress as well as providing a bit of plushness.

Moonlight Futon Mattress by Gold Bond

The Feathertouch futon mattress is the lightest and most plush cotton based mattresses from Gold Bond.  It contains over 90% foam and the rest is cotton.  Because foam is lighter than cotton, this mattress is very plush and has the closest feel to a sofa cushion compared to the rest of the cotton and foam futon mattresses.  The Feathertouch is highly recommended if you plan on purchasing a queen size futon because it rests nicely on the frame, gives adequate seating depth and facilitates the operation of your futon frame.

Feathertouch Futon Mattress by Gold Bond

The second type of futon mattress ideal for sitting are high density foam based by Otis Bed.  These futon mattresses do not contain cotton but rather the highest quality of HD foam of 2.0 density.  Rather than cotton, these mattresses use a thin layer of poly-dacron encasing the foam.  These mattresses are very light and easy to move.  Because the edges are boxed or squared off, the futon keeps its shape and will not flatten like the rounded edge cotton based futon mattresses.

Out of all the models, Dr. Futonberg recommends the two best foam based mattresses for the use in the sofa position.

• The Pulsar Memory Foam Futon Mattress by Otis Bed
• The Haley 110 Futon Mattress by Otis Bed

Memory foam is one of the best options for a futon mattress.  Memory foam is dense and flexible.  It rests perfectly on a bifold futon frame.  Memory foam futons also aesthetically look the best on a futon frame.  The edges are perfectly even and the crease in the middle folds nicely without bunching up.   As for the sitting feel, the memory foam provides a supportive seating and back cushion molding to the curves of your body.  The Pulsar mattress contains several inches of regular HD foam and three inches of memory foam towards the surface.  The HD foam is used as a base for support so you don't sink all the way to the bottom.  The Pulsar is also very flexible making it easy to open and close your futon frame without struggle.  Because of the memory foam, the notorious crease in the middle of the mattress disappears in seconds when laid flat.

The second option for an ideal foam futon mattress for sitting is the Haley 110.  The Haley 110 is a thick 8" mattress using multiple layers of 2.0 high pressurized density foam which is convoluted or egg crate shape.  The Haley 110 feels like a luxury mattress or sofa cushion.  It has a nice give or bounce giving it a springy feel despite the fact that it lacks spring coils.  It gives adequate seating depth and can withstand a lot of sitting with your weight concentrated in one spot without bottoming or flattening out.   

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How Long Will a Sofa Last Compared to A Futon Sofa Bed?

This is what cheap bonded leather looks like in less than 2 years

Many people who require the dual function of a sofa and a sleeper in one piece will debate over weather they should go for a sofa bed or a futon.  Even for those consumers who do not require the sleeping function, still can't decide if a futon is more suitable than a sofa just for sitting.  In North America, a futon carries a stigma of being cheap or better suited for university students.  This misconception began in the late 1980's and early 1990's when the metal frame futon set package was introduced to the market and imported from China.  These metal frames tend to be very cheaply made and the mattress included is usually hard and lumpy and does not contain pure cotton. It can be very uncomfortable to sit on and sleep on.

However, when it comes to the futon, it's all about choice.  You can choose to follow the sheep to their early futon grave and buy a cheap frame and futon mattress, or you can can INVEST in, rather than simply buy, a quality frame and mattress that will last.  If you compare a cheap sofa to a futon, you will find that your average sofa retailing between $500 to $800 has very little options.  Sofas in this price range will allow usually only two or three choices of fabrics- microsuede or bonded leather. Bonded leather is another term used for cheap fake leather.  Microsuede is synthetic suede made from polyester.  Color options are very limited, and if you decide to pick a fabric or color that is not stocked, be prepared to pay a few hundred dollars more and wait about 3 to 4 months for your sofa to be imported by ocean freight from China.

Typical cheap microsuede sofa that consumers fall for

Before we discuss the features and benefits of a futon over a sofa, let us first understand the disadvantages of these cheap sofas that are so popular on the consumer market.  The microsuede sofa featured above is your typical cheap sofa usually found at an Ashley Home Store or Jennifer Convertible.

Disadvantages of These Cheap Sofas:

• Non removable or replacement seating and back cushions. (Seating cushions only come off  for sofas with pull out mattresses). This means you cannot replace the cushions
• The microsuede or microfiber used is a low quality polyester.  This material will give you crazy electric shocks during the winter time and will make your hair stand up.  In addition, cheap microsuede will sag like a hundred year old lady.  This sofa featured above was used for less than a year and a half, and you can already notice the sagging and wrinkling of the fabric
• The density of foam in the cushions is very low.  This means that they will flatten fairly fast with frequent sitting.  
• Light weight inner frame causes easy breaking or cracking.
• There are different types of fake, bonded or "faux" leather that manufactures use.  Not all faux leather will peal like the one you see in the first picture.  There is quality faux leather(also referred to as "leather textile").  Innovation Living, a Danish based manufacture of modern quality sofa beds, use a high quality of leather textile that is ten times more durable than your "bonded leather".  Cheap bonded leather tends to be thin and shiny due to the high amount of polyurethane used.  Bonded leather peels easily, especially after the polyurethane on the surface dissipates as well as your body sweat which absorbs into the sofa when sitting on it frequently.  The life expectancy of a cheap bonded leather sofa is under two years with frequent usage.  By this time, the foam from the seat cushions will be flattened.  

Cheap sofas show wear very fast especially the loosening of fabric and flattening of foam

Some people may consider reupholstering their sofa, but soon learn that such a task would cost almost the same as a new sofa.

Futons will give you the most options for the same quality, if not better than your average conventional sofa.

Advantages of a Futon:

A futon can be just as high end as a sofa, if not more

• Exposed wood frame.  This means cat's can't scratch the arm rests, and upholstery doesn't get ruined
• Futon frame can be set up and transported easily to any space, many full length sofas cannot.
• Futon mattress (seating and back rest cushion in one) is not attached to the frame.  This means you can choose from dozens of mattresses that meet your comfort level or firmness.  You can always easily replace the futon mattress down the road.  One size usually fits all, unlike conventional sofas, either the cushions are sowed onto the frame or cushions have to be made custom due to different sizes.
• Futon covers are inexpensive. You can easily update the look of your futon by changing the cover on the mattress.  If you stain it, you can either machine wash the cover (depending on material) or get it dry cleaned.  
• Futons allow for the highest level of customization at an affordable price without special ordering.  Conventional sofas with option in arm rests and fabrics tend to take many months to deliver and will cost a lot more.  Futons allow for accessories such as bottom storage drawers as shown in the photo above.  Futon storage drawers not only function for storage, but also will give your futon a completely different appearance of a high end sofa.  

Because there are so many options for removable futon covers, it is much easier to decorate and match the decor of your room

• A futon mattress is quite versatile and can be used on a floor or platform bed, an RV bunk bed or sleeping loft, not only just for a futon frame.
• A futon will give you the highest level of comfort, provided that you know how to choose the right mattress for your frame.  
• A futon will out last any conventional sofa by at least 20 years, provided that you maintain your frame and replace your mattress once it is worn out.  There is no graveyard for the futon. This is a piece of furniture that your grandchildren will some day inherit provided you take care of it.  
• Besides the futon frame which is usually made in Indonesia or Vietnam, the futon mattress and cover are usually made in the USA.  As we know, American manufacturing tends to be at higher standards than the Chinese imports.

In conclusion, consumers must be cautious before dropping a few hundred dollars on a cheap conventional sofa that looks good online or in the store.  Looks and price only tell half the story.  A futon should be treated like a piece of real estate.  This means it should last you for many years, and you can always make updates to it and change the look.

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Best Rated Futons

How to Make Your Futon Look Presentable

When it comes to futons, many people have this misconception that futons are cheap, ugly and are for poor people or struggling students.  The reason for such misconception is because during the late 80s and throughout the 90's, there has been an influx of cheap metal futon frames.  These metal futon frames tend to break easily and come with a cheap flimsy mattress.

Futon Design Ideas with Accent Pillows

In contrast, the original style all wooden futon frame is the best choice for a longer lasting piece of furniture.  The futon is all about choice.  It's very important that you choose the right type of frame and mattress first.  Because the futon is piece by piece, unlike conventional sofas, you are not stuck with just one look.

When it comes to choosing the right type of mattress for your futon frame it is important that you stay away from the standard mattress that comes with the set package.  If you are choosing a cotton based mattress, make sure that it has some foam layering inside.  A cotton futon mattress with no foam, will not look even and rest well on the frame.  The foam keeps the cotton in place and enables the mattress to bend evenly.

When it comes to the final stage in designing your futon, the most important element of the design is the futon cover.  You want to make sure that the futon cover is the right size for the mattress.  If the cover is too loose, you will see a lot of wrinkles.  Also, the thinner thread count futon covers tend to show a lot of wrinkles. For this reason, you should look for a heavier texture cover that fits snug over the mattress.

Futon Decorating Ideas With White Frame

This what happens when you buy the wrong futon cover

As you can see int he two pictures above, the first futon looks great with a tight fitting cover and accent pillows.  The second futon looks ugly as sin.  This is what happens when you either buy a cheap futon cover or use a bed sheet.  This ugly futon belongs in a garage, not a living room.

The idea is to make your futon resemble a conventional sofa.  Because sofas have separate seating cushions and back cushions and a futon is all one piece, it is important that you define the crease in the middle of the mattress.  This can be done by nicely folding over the cover to hide it.  However, the best idea is to use throw pillows.  When you place the pillows in the middle of the mattress along the crease, this gives an illusion that the futon has a separate seat and back cushion like a conventional sofa.

Adding side bolster pillows along the arm rests is a great idea.  Not only does this make the futon look warm and inviting, but it also is much more comfortable to lean against.  Most people tend to lean against the arm rest on a sofa.  Because futon frames are bear wooden arms, the bolster pillow softens up the hardness.

One of the most important things to keep in mind for a futon is making sure the mattress rests nicely on the frame and does not slip off the edge.  Non slip grip strips for your mattress is a perfect solution. Some futon frames come with a non slip pad which works well, but grip strips are better because they really hold that stubborn mattress in place.  Nothing looks worse than a drooping futon mattress.

Keep your futon mattress in place with non slip grip strips for your frame.

If you really want to make your futon look high end, add bottom storage drawers as shown in the picture with the white futon frame.  By adding storage drawers, you make the futon look complete.  This no longer looks like your cheap futon but rather a high end sofa.

What's wrong with this futon?

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