The basic futon mattress has come a long way over the last several years. All-cotton futon mattresses have been replaced with foam and cotton hybrids that are lighter weight and a bit thinner and easier to fold. They also hold up better over time than all-cotton fillings because the foam gives the mattress a bit more ability to hold its shape and keeps it from sagging. Cotton padding tends to sag and droop over time which can make a futon an unattractive and uncomfortable piece of furniture.
Other Futon Mattress Varieties
In addition to 100% cotton and foam/cotton combinations, mattresses are available in some other materials that you might prefer, depending on how firm, flexible and light or heavy you want your futon sofa bed to be. Cotton and poly blends are available that are similar to cotton and foam but often weigh even less. These futon beds are typically very soft, but the ones that have more polyester in them will be more rigid and firm.
Wool mattresses are best for those who want the softest possible padding and bit of luxury in their furniture. Wool is a long-lasting and hardy natural fiber that’s light, but the mattress won’t be very flexible. Cotton and wool is a combination you can find today that combines the best qualities of both especially if the top is wool and the filling is cotton. The wool surrounding the cotton will help prevent the sagging that cotton is known for. It may still compact and become far less soft over time, however.
Innerspring mattresses are similar to those found on many beds, with metal coils inside the padding. You’ll probably need to buy a futon frame and mattress together because the springs make the cushion much more difficult to fold and manipulate. These feel more like a traditional bed, so if want to feel like you’re on a futon you should stick with other materials. Spring cushions also cost more because there’s more workmanship in the mattress itself. Wool and innerspring are the most expensive varieties. And obviously a mattress for a double futon sofa bed which is larger also costs more than one for a single futon.
Futon Mattress Covers
If your futon is in a living room where it’s used often as seating, you may want to consider a futon mattress cover or some other type of futon bedding. Not only will it protect the mattress against wear and stains, it can keep a worn mattress from showing. It’s easy to purchase a new futon cover in a different color or style when you want to make some décor changes. And many of the covers drape around the futon to disguise it and make it look more like a traditional sofa.
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