Futon Frames and Mattress

Futon frames and mattress manufacturers have come a very long way to meet the demands of a transient society who still desires to have attractive furniture adorning their homes while providing comfortable sleeping spaces at the same time.

Futon Frame Choices

Futon frames come in a variety of styles and finishes, so it's easy to find a style that fits into your décor.

Futon frames and mattress options have improved greatly from the basic metal utilitarian frame and lumpy mattress within the last several years. Frame materials can be found in:

• Hardwood
  
  
• Metal
  
  
• Oak
  
  
• Rattan
  
  
• Wicker

One additional type of frame is called an A-frame futon. It's a more compact frame and mattress that generously seats and sleeps a single person.

The A-frame is ideal for small apartments, dorm rooms, or guest rooms where you might need a little more seating and a bed in a pinch. You can also find A-frame futons that seat and sleep two people.

Other styles include platform futon beds, which is a simple frame that mimics a traditional bed frame and can feature a headboard if so desired. Add a futon mattress and bed coverings and you won't know that it isn't a traditional mattress!

Types of Futon Mattresses

Futon mattresses, like the frames, have come a long way in the last several years when it comes to comfort. Similar to traditional mattresses, the quality, support, and comfort of a futon mattress depends on what is inside the mattress itself.

The good news is that there are some excellent choices on the market today!

1. Innerspring - yes, there is an innerspring style in a futon mattress! Individually wrapped coils in the middle of a futon mattress encased inside several layers of batting provide incredible support and comfort. This is the most durable type of futon mattress and receives excellent reviews from consumers.
   
   One disadvantage is that this type of futon mattress isn't as portable or as foldable, but if these features aren't important to you, then these aren't issues.
   
   
2. Cotton and foam - layers of foam inside a futon mattress provide variable levels of support depending on how many layers are inside the mattress.
   
   Some manufacturers offer 4 inches of foam and some offer as much as 10 inches of foam inside the mattress. It's a great choice if your futon will be used on a regular basis.
   
   
3. Cotton and wool - consumers who want a firm, but softer mattress in a futon, appreciate this combination. They're also a good choice for anyone who will use their futon regularly.
   
   
4. Cotton and polyester - consumers who prefer a firm mattress will want to consider the support of this type of futon mattress core. This is a durable option - great for dorm rooms and apartments where friends stay over often.

Futon mattresses come covered in many different fibers and fabrics including: cotton, synthetic leather, real leather, and micro fiber, to name a few.

Consumers who plan to cover the futon with a custom cover may not care about the covering on the mattress, but if you have pets or children, the fabric covering your futon might need to be a consideration.

Another fun option in futon mattresses is the choice between a tri-fold and a bi-fold mattress. A bi-fold is more traditional - when it's folded up it looks like a couch.

A tri-fold gives you couch-like seating, but with an additional feature of a footrest - similar to the idea of a recliner. You would require more space with a tri-fold, but some consumers feel it's worth the extra space.

Environmentally Friendly Futon Frames and Mattress Options

Consumers who are sensitive to chemicals or suffer from allergies may want to look into the environmentally friendly options available in futon frames and futon mattresses.

There are companies who offer untreated wood frames and mattresses manufactured from organic materials such as organic wool and organic cotton.

Most Comfortable Futons

These futon manufacturers have been rated well by consumers:

• Simmons Bordeaux
• American Furniture Alliance
• Coaster
• Acme

There are new brands of futon emerging all the time, and so other brands could provide as much or more comfort than these, so be sure to do a lot of research before making any final purchase decisions.