About Our Unbiased Futon Mattress Reviews and Research

Our futon mattress ratings are based on at least 1,800 consumer reviews of futons from several different manufacturers. The data was gathered using an accurate methodology.

What Is a Futon?

"Futon" is the word Americans use to refer to the traditional Japanese bed. In Japanese the word is "shikibuton," which means mattress. A traditional futon is essentially a thin mat filled with textile batting that is simply laid directly on the floor.

The American futon is often thicker and can contain cotton/blend batting, foam, innersprings or a combination thereof. More advanced materials such as latex and memory foam are being increasingly used in more expensive models. A cover is used to protect and decorate the mattress.

A futon mattress can be placed on a bed frame, directly on the floor, or on a wooden or metal futon frame. A futon frame can be converted from a sitting to lying position. In other words, futons can have duel use in that they can serve as a chair or sofa during the day and then convert to a bed at night, thereby maximizing space.

Futons are often available in a range of colors, sizes and fabrics. Their versatility and space-saving nature make them popular among students, small-apartment dwellers, or anyone seeking convertible furniture.

Mattress Ratings > Futon Reviews

Futon Mattresses → Review, Ratings & Complaints Based On Data From 1,877 Actual Owners

Page last updated June 23, 2011           Bookmark and Share

What You Need To Know

Owner Satisfaction: Futon mattresses overall have 74% owner satisfaction.

Pros: Often inexpensive; duel-use potential; variety of styles / colors.

Cons: Below average durability / longevity; too thin / firm for some people; initial odor possible.

Price: $80-$1000

Main Competition: Sealy brand beds and low-priced memory foam mattresses often compete with futon mattresses. See the mattress price comparison and mattress comparison for more on futons vs other beds.

Contents

Futon Mattress Use
Futon Mattress Ratings: Overall
Futon Mattress Ratings: By Type
Futon Mattress Ratings: By Thickness
Futon Retailer Comparison
Futon Brand Ratings?

Futon Mattress Use

Futon mattresses overall are used less often by their owners than other mattress types. As the chart below shows, only about 55% of owners use their futon mattress regularly over an extended period of time. In this sense, the mattresses are similar to temporary-use air beds.

In addition, only about half of owners use their mattress with a futon frame (a frame that can convert from a sleeping position to a sitting position). The other half of owners place their mattress on a regular bed frame / platform or directly onto the floor.

  Futon Use Percent of Owners  

Temporary / guest use    25%
Primary bed for kid / teen    22%
Mainly for sitting / sofa use    20%
Primary bed for adult    17%
Bed for college    16%

Futon Mattress Ratings: Overall

The ratings below discuss how futon mattresses overall as a group are evaluated by consumers. For ratings and comparison of the different types, see the section following this one.

Owner satisfaction fair Owner satisfaction for futon mattresses is 74% which is somewhat lower than satisfaction for most bed types. A lack of comfort and durability are the main causes of dissatisfaction.
Durability / longevity poor Durability is below average compared to other mattress types. Innerspring futon mattresses may last at least somewhat longer than less expensive cotton / fiber or cotton / foam varieties. Consumers should generally not expect their mattress to last more than 2-4 years with regular use. Occasional use, however, will likely result in a longer lifespan.
Price (full size) good $80-$1000 is the price range for a full-size futon mattress (not including frame). The average price paid is about $150. Low price is a top advantage of futons, say owners. If you seek a futon for regular use (especially for sleeping), owner data suggests that paying more ($400+) will tend to result in more comfort, durability and overall satisfaction.
Less pain fair Reduced pain, such as back pain, and decreased pressure points are reported in less than 10% of futon mattress reviews. About 15% of consumers report that their futon causes pain, usually due to excessive firmness / lack of thickness and lumpiness. (See mattresses and pain relief for more analysis.)
Firmness variety fair A variety of firmnesses are sometimes available, but most owner reviews say the futon is more firm than soft.
Dust mite resistant poor Regardless of composition, futons can be home to dust mite populations which can trigger allergies in some people. (See mattresses and dust mites for analysis.)
No initial odor / off gassing poor About 15-20% of consumers report an initial smell that is at least somewhat unpleasant. Some owners say it is chemical in nature, while others describe a musty-like smell. The odor dissipates within a few days in most cases. Futons that contain foam tend to have the most complaints on this issue.
Easy to move on good Futons are usually easy for a sleeper to move on because they are often firm and offer little resistance. Models with memory foam may provide some resistance to movement.
Easy to get up off fair Futons can be lower in height than conventional beds which may require more effort and strength to get up off of them.
No sleeping hot good Heat issues are generally not a problem, but models with memory foam may be an exception.
No noise fair Futons with innersprings may creak, squeak and pop. Other types are silent.
Low maintenance poor Futon mattresses require more maintenance than other mattress types, especially if the mattress is used regularly. Futons need to be turned and sometimes flipped to avoid uneven wear and sagging. It is also sometimes recommended that they be aired out on occasion.
Lightweight good Futons mattresses overall weigh less than most other bed types, but they still may be difficult to move and handle.
Warranties fair Warranties range from one month to lifetime. Most, however, are around three years. (See mattress warranties: what you should know.)

Futon Ratings: By Type

Futons mattresses that have an innerspring system have the highest owner satisfaction, but they are the most expensive type. Futons filled cotton / foam are fairly close behind in satisfaction, followed by futons filled with a cotton / polyester blend.
  Innerspring / Foam/ Polyester Cotton / Foam Cotton / Polyester
Owner Satisfaction / Sample Size 81% / 448 76% / 558 69% / 266
Avg Price Paid (full size) $140 $120 $85
Durability / Longevity Fair-Good Fair Fair-Poor
Comfort / Less Pain Fair-Good fair Fair-Poor
Low Maintenance Good-Fair fair Fair-Poor
No Initial Odor Fair Fair-Poor Fair-Good
No Noise fair good good
Can Be Folded For Sitting usually yes yes
Average Weight 60 lbs 51 lbs 33 lbs
Average Warranty 4 years 3 years 1 year

Futon Mattress Ratings: By Thickness

Thicker futon mattresses tend to provide better comfort than thinner varieties. A lack of thickness can result in excessive firmness and cause a person to feel the bar of the futon frame under the mattress. Thicker models, however, are more expensive and can be more difficult to fold for use on a convertible futon frame.

An average sized adult, owner data suggests, is more satisfied with eight-inch or greater thickness, while a heavier adult is more satisfied with 10-inch thickness. Children and teens, given their lower weight, can be satisfied with 6-inch thickness.

Futon Mattress Thickness Owner Satisfaction  

10 inches    83%
8 inches    77%
6 inches    73%

Futon Mattress Retailer Comparison

Below is a list and comparison of some of the more popular futon mattress retailers. These retailers sell futon frames and accessories as well. Many futons are sold online; see buying a mattress online: what you should know.

  Variety Price Range (full size mattress) Return Policy
Walmart.com / Samsclub.com Good $80-$500 90-day exchange or refund. Return mattress to a store.
Futonland.com Excellent $120-$1000+ 30-day Money-back minus original / return shipping & 20% Restock fee.
Overstock.com Fair-good $100-$400 partial refund for opened / used products minus return shipping unless result of their error or defective Product.
Futonplanet.com Good $175-$700 No returns accepted for mattresses.
Affordablefutons.com Good $180-$800 30-day money-back or store credit minus return shipping unless result of their error or defective Product.

Futon Brand Ratings?

We do not currently rate individual futon brands. This is because many owners in our research did not mention or were unaware of their brand. Also, there is currently no reason to rate the brands since, based on the limited futon brand data we have collected from owners, there is little if any difference between brands in terms of owner satisfaction, comfort, longevity and other factors.