How to Choose the Best Futon Mattress?
Table of Contents
Top Best Futon Mattresses Based on Reviews and Price
Why You Need a Good Futon Mattress?
Those who need or want to change their bedding completely can turn to the futon. This is a mattress that is today attached to Japanese culture and has its origins in India. It is interesting to remember that futon means mattress in Japanese. The main difference between its traditional models is that it contains several layers of cotton. It can be installed on any type of furniture, box spring, tatami or on the floor.
Many brands offer this type of bedding accessory on the market. The key is to know how to choose them. To help you, we have prepared a buying guide on how to get the best products at the moment and for you.
Top 9 Factors to Consider When Buying a Futon Mattress
1. Shikibuton, Zabuton, Zafu or Turkish Bean Bag?
The term futon is used to denote stylish pieces such as Kakibushi, Shikibuton, Zabuton, Zafu, and Turkey futon. We will talk about the characteristics of each model throughout this section.
Shikibuton Futon
The Shikibuton is the most widely used type, as it replaces the mattress. This model is rectangular and can be dense or malleable. It should be placed on a mat or frame for comfort. Did you know that in Japan, people believe that sleeping close to the ground ensures that the earth absorbs bad energy, renews good energy and provides a more peaceful sleep? The traditional Shikibuton is slim but firm and, along with the lower height of the bed, provides some health benefits. These include better blood circulation, muscle relaxation, and a correct sleeping posture.
Zabuton
The Zabuton has a cushion-like format, which is used on seats, sofas or chairs. This futon style can be made of cotton or fine fabrics like silk and linen.
The Zafu is also similar to a pad. The big difference is the format. The Zafu is often used as a meditation cushion, which helps maintain balance and good posture.
Also called the Turkish bean bag, this is ideal for outdoor use as it can be used directly on the floor. It is thicker than other models. Generally, the coating is made of moisture and heat resistant materials.
2. Where to Use the Futon?
The futon can be used in various rooms in the house. These can be in the living room, children’s and adult rooms and outdoor areas such as balconies and gardens.
- The living room: In the living room, you can place the futon on a rug or in a wooden frame. In this environment, the futon serves as a sofa. But it does not take up as much space as it is smaller and shorter. A great option for the living room is Kakibushi instead of the sofa. You can also distribute some Zabutons or Zafus on the floor for people to sit on.
- The bedroom: In the bedroom, the futon can serve as a single or double bed if placed on a mat or frame. A futon is also a great option if you generally welcome guests at home.
- The children’s room: In a children’s room, a futon is an excellent option. This is because it gives the child the freedom to move without the risk of falling from heights. It also stimulates learning and observation skills. This is the philosophy of the Montessori method, which suggests replacing the conventional crib. If you want to try the method, it is worth consulting a specialist. For the rooms, we suggest you choose a Shikibuton futon. You will find single or double models.
- For outdoors: In outdoor areas, it is recommended to look for an acrylic-coated waterproof futon. Or at least, you can buy a cover with these characteristics to protect the futon from sunlight and moisture. Our suggestion is to use a Turkish bean bag, developed for outdoor settings. You can also put a Kakibushi to use as a sofa or puff.
3. Size and Thickness
This is also one of the criteria to see before looking to buy a new futon. It is a very important point for the general comfort of your future mattress. Normally, traditional models are made up of various layers of cotton, and the thinner the thickness, the more firmness you will have.
If you want a firm mattress, we recommend that you choose a model that is between 6 cm and 12 cm thick. But before validating your choice, you must first take your body shape into account. For people who are tall and who therefore have a certain weight, it is necessary to opt for a suitable size. On the one hand, and also for a much greater thickness, at least 18 cm is recommended.
As for the width, you will have to choose according to the degree of comfort you want or the number of people who will sleep on it. Prefer a 160 cm x 200 cm product over a 140 cm x 200 cm model if you need space.
4. Composition
As we said earlier, the traditional model is made entirely of cotton, but today there are several possible variants. You can see it made of coconut, latex, bamboo skin or foam. In general, brands do not want to override the basic rules on the composition of this type of product too much to keep their authenticity.
It is therefore likely that you will find futons made of cotton. But in some cases, there are a few additions of layers of other elements, such as coconut, for example. This can be beneficial in terms of comfort, especially during the first contact. The advantage of this type of product is that the raw materials used for its manufacture are renewable.
5. Structure
The structure of the futon varies. There are thinner models, with a thickness of 5 cm and taller than about 15 cm. They are filled with latex to avoid deformations in the structure. The padding can be cotton, foam or synthetic materials. The lining can be made of cotton, polyester, acrylic, and sophisticated fabrics such as silk and linen.
6. Futon Design
You will find futon designs in various styles: flat, geometric, floral, striped, etc. You can mix prints from the same color palette to make the atmosphere stylish.
You can also find templates in a single color pattern:
- White: It gives a neutral touch to the decoration;
- Red: Brings personality to space;
- Blue: Guarantees a modern air;
- Gray: This is an excellent choice for children’s rooms as it hides dirt.
7. Wood vs Metal Material
The futon base can be made of wood, metal, steel, masonry or pallets of different materials. The platform can be adapted to accommodate shelves and drawers to optimize the organization of the room. The pallets are cheaper, but the durability is low. If the platform is complete, the ventilation decreases, and the cleaning and hygiene care are doubled.
8. Futon or Mattress?
The choice between the two is difficult and above all depends on each one. For some, the futon mattress is too much and too firm while others swear by it and for the quality of sleep it provides. The futon is made of cotton, a material which diffuses heat as well as freshness and which offers very good comfort. It is also a mattress which aims to be practical because it can be stored during the day. Hence, it is ideal for those who lack space. If you have persistent back pain, the choice of futon mattress is wise.
So which one to choose? If you are looking for a comfortable, firm, practical and thin mattress in addition to being healthy, the Japanese futon mattress is great. If you are looking for a mattress that is not very firm and thick, then you should choose a classic mattress. Remember that the futon mattress should normally be positioned close to the floor (on the tatami for example) and that you will, therefore, have to get up, which is not always easy for some people.
9. Value for Money
This last point is quite sensitive, because finding the right value for money is never easy, especially if you have never bought this type of item before.
The quality of manufacture and the materials selected for the composition of the futon count for a lot in the price evolution. A model that includes both cotton and memory foam will cost more than one that is made of just one material. Consulting a price comparison can give you an idea. Besides, there is the practicality of the product. Some can be folded for easier transport while others are convertible. The price range can vary from one brand to another. But, often, it can range from around $30 to $200 and above.
Final Words
Comfortable, practical, firm, the futon mattress has a large number of followers. It is a mattress that allows you to sleep differently but always in absolute comfort. But to enjoy it in good conditions, you must first choose it well, guided by the criteria above. Ensure you define your preferences (dimensions, material, thickness, room of use, among others).
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