Choosing The Best Futon Mattress - Complete Buyer's Guide

If you're in the market for a futon mattress that feels like a real bed, this mattress is the winner. It's made entirely of a proprietary bio-pur memory foam that's ultra flexible, supportive, and cooling. This mattress works great on a normal bed frame, an adjustable bed frame, or a futon frame. While testing it, it stayed in place even when I had the futon in "couch" mode, and quickly pulled down to convert into one of the most comfortable futon beds I've ever slept on.

This innovative mattress is designed to enhance sleep by alleviating pressure points and keeping you cool throughout the night.

In my experience, the AS1 is firmer-than-average, scoring an 8/10 on our firmness scale. Although it's a firmer mattress, I found it to be an ideal match for back sleeping. My hips went right through the top layer and even pressed into the support core beneath. However, this experience might be different, especially for lightweight back sleepers. 

While side sleeping, the AS1 was much too firm, and I felt some significant pressure around my hips and shoulders. This is unsurprising as the Amerisleep AS1 isn't designed with side sleepers in mind, so if you fall into this category, you may want to check out the AS4 or the AS5. 

As one of Amerisleep's most affordable mattresses, the AS1 costs about $1,300 for the queen model. If you're on the fence about trying a traditional-looking mattress on your futon, give this one a try and if you don't like it, you have 100 days to send it back for a full refund (free shipping both ways). It boasts a 20-year limited warranty that covers your mattress against manufacturing defects. 

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The word futon comes from the Japanese language and they are highly popular in Japanese culture. Fuli has manufactured a high grade futon mattress using the Japanese Shiki design. The entire mattress weighs less than thirty pounds and is covered in 100% cotton material. The stuffing is 100% polyester and is designed with three separate layers, which helped provide plenty of cushioning between our bodies and the floor. The mattress conformed to our body shape while supporting the correct spinal alignment. 

What makes this futon mattress truly special is its versatility. We could use it  as a floor mattress, and also on traditional futon frames, and it comes in ALL bed sizes, including twin, twin XL, full, Full XL, Queen size, and King size. It's not often you see a futon mattress that's this widely useful for just about any situation.

This futon is actually made in Japan, and culturally speaking, the Japanese tend to take great care when making futons when compared to US standards of cutting corners and maximizing profits. Comfort comes first.

If you're in the market for a reasonably priced floor futon, or a futon mattress that fits on a frame and provides surprising comfort and versatility, give this one a try. The mattress is currently going for $268 for a queen bed. If you end up not liking it, for any reason including a comfort preference, you can return it within 30 days if you buy through Amazon.

The D&D floor mattress is an ideal pick for those looking for a more lightweight, minimalist pick. 

This futon mattress isn't meant as a long-term replacement for a bed, but rather a low-cost, efficient alternative to a spare bed for guests or napping. This futon mattress can be used for sleeping, yoga meditation, and sitting, but we honestly wouldn't recommend it to be your main sleeping pad because it lacks impressive comfort.

The D&D Floor Rolling Futon Mattress feels different in each sleep position. I felt a good amount of support and comfort while back sleeping on this mattress. Switching to my stomach, the D&D Floor Rolling Futon Mattress wasn't a bad match for me. Its firm, supportive nature helped ensure that my midsection stayed elevated and well aligned with my spine. However, this Futon Mattress might feel too firm for side sleepers. My shoulder and hips felt jammed up and I wasn't comfortable in this position. Individuals who prefer sleeping on their sides may want to look for a softer model. 

The mattress is made in the USA and is filled with 90% cotton with polyester and resilient foam making up the rest. It is also shipped in a compact package to reduce shipping costs and make it easy to transport.

The mattress itself is a queen size, but can be rolled up and stored when it's not in use. In fact, this futon mattress was one of the most compact futons we tested when it comes to storage space. However, if you want to try to make the mattress thicker by folding it in half to make it a twin size, you're going to have a rough time. It's only designed to lay flat or be rolled up. It's great for quick uses and small spaces, but lacks true comfort and should only be used as a secondary mattress. The mattress goes for $165. Amazon shoppers also enjoy a 30-day return policy that enables them to return the mattress for a refund if it doesn't meet their needs. 

For those who prefer something firmer and need more support, the DHP 8-inch futon mattress offers a great option. The whole mattress is 8 inches thick, but keep in mind that there is a two inch layer of foam mattress and polyester, with six inches of coil premium underneath. The mattress comes with a tufted microfiber cover that created a more plush feel when I slept on it, and comes in six different color options. You’ll find that the independently encased coils do a great job of weight distribution too.

During testing, the mattress offered equal weight distribution as it contoured to the curves of my body, relieving pressure points along my shoulder, neck, back, and hips. This futon mattress is less about portability, and more about comfort. It shouldn't be used as a floor futon mattress. It's best used as a replacement for a full futon with a frame. Unlike floor futons that are filled with plush, this futon mattress is more similar to a traditional innerspring mattress.

With that being said, it's more flexible than a traditional innerspring mattress. You can easily fold and unfold your futon frame without much effort. Currently, the DHP 8-Inch Independently Encased Coil model is sold by Amazon for about $200 for the queen-size model. It boasts a 1 year limited warranty and Amazon shoppers can return it within 30 days if they end up not liking it. 

Another great hybrid option, this firm mattress from Classic Brands can be used on both futon and bed frames. The coils are all individually wrapped for greater protection and makes it easy to fold and unfold as needed. Two inches of foam sit on top of the innersprings to provide extra padding and greater comfort. You also get a durable microfiber polyester cover in either black or brown.

We started out back sleeping on the Classic Brands 8-Inch Futon Mattress. Because I weigh more than 230 pounds, my weight was enough to compress the bed just a bit. While I personally felt comfortable in this sleeping position, back sleepers who prefer a softer feel may want to look elsewhere. 

Side sleeping felt uncomfortable on this mattress. Generally, side sleepers want a softer model that can relieve pressure on their hips and shoulders. Sleeping on the Classic Brands 8-Inch Futon Mattress, I felt pressure in these areas. However, when I switched onto my stomach, the mattress worked like a charm. It didn't collapse under my pelvis and I got good support across my entire body. 

Similar to the DHP futon mattress we talked about above, keep in mind that you will need some sort of frame with this futon mattress. Because of the coils, it can't be rolled to be stored, and needs a frame in order to function properly. The mattress is actually very similar to the DHP mattress, apart from the mattress type. This mattress is made of memory foam which is awesome if you like a softer support, and don't have issues with overheating while you sleep.

In addition to the foam, the microfiber exterior is a great addition, it makes the mattress easy to clean. All you need to do is wipe it with a damp cloth for quick cleans, or it can be fully removed to hand wash if needed. Be careful not to use too much water though if you don't remove the cover, foam can accumulate mold if not kept dry.

Overall, if you're looking for a sturdier futon mattress that looks and feels more like a traditional bed, take a look at this Classic Brands futon mattress, it's a great pick. Its price ranges from $95 to $999, depending on the color, material, and size of your futon mattress. It's backed with a 1-year warranty and a 30-day return policy for Amazon shoppers. 

Made entirely in the United States, this futon mattress by Artiva is the standard full size with eight different color options. The interior consists of both inner springs and a combination of foam, cotton and fibers to provide a more plush feel. The tufted design also provides additional cushioning and greater comfort.

This mattress is 8-inches thick, and best used with a frame, but can also be used as a floor futon as well. It's one of the more expensive options on this list, but you're paying for better quality materials and a futon mattress that's made in America.

If you're a stomach sleeper, the Artiva Home Deluxe mattress should offer a good balance of support and comfort. My hips sank in just enough and the uppermost layers offered a bit of contouring. Most side sleepers should also get the pressure relief they deserve on this bed. When side sleeping, I didn't feel pain along my hips or shoulder. However, some side sleepers might be better off with a more pressure-relieving soft model. 

The futon is hypo-allergenic, so if you have seasonal allergies, or consistent issues with allergies from bad indoor air quality or asthma, this mattress is a great choice.

This futon will need a cover, unless you want stains to show. When you buy this futon, you only get the mattress, not a frame or a cover. However, there are plenty of covers available online, so you can have spares for guests, or changing up the look of your room. The price of this sofa mattress also varies depending on your bed's size, color, and fill material. For instance, the full-size, espresso, innerspring model costs about $185. It comes with a 1-year limited warranty and Amazon shoppers may also be eligible for the 30-day return policy, which allows them to return the bed in its original state for a full refund. 

Serta has come to become one of the most trusted household names for the best mattresses and best pillows. Their Cypress futon mattress is no exception. With 288 Bonnel innersprings and a layer of foam and fiber on the top and bottom of the coils, you will get the support you need, while also being comfortable for long periods of time. This is also a very affordable option for those looking for larger sizes.

This cotton-blended mattress comes in full or queen sizes, and is best used with a futon frame. It's not flexible enough to be rolled or folded for easy storage. With that being said, it's definitely one of the softest mattresses on this list in terms of support. It feels more like a traditional bed, and less like a "spare" futon mattress.

We tested it in all three sleep positions. Starting off, we thought the Serta Cypress Futon Mattress was an ideal pick for back sleepers. Its top layer conformed to my body and allowed me to sink a bit. Side sleeping, the mattress wasn't a bad match. However, I felt a bit of pressure along my hips and shoulder, so if you often sleep on your side, you might be better off with a softer model. When I slept on my stomach, this bed was too soft for me, as I felt my midsection deeping down into the surface.

It's a great choice as a mattress for a guest room where you want to save space when people aren't staying over, but still give them somewhere to sleep that provides a lot of comfort. It comes with a 1-year limited warranty and Amazon shoppers receive a 30-day trial period. Their queen-size, black, innerspring model costs about $400. Keep in mind that these prices are based on Amazon listings, which may change over time.

If you still want the support of a regular mattress, but don’t want innersprings, Mozaic offers an all memory foam mattress option as well. The gel dual memory foam futon mattress is designed to provide you with support, while also making it comfortable enough for long term use. This memory foam futon mattress is reversible and can easily be folded and unfolded as you need. There is also a cotton twill cover that has a tufted pattern and comes in eight different color options.

The Mozaic Full Size Cotton Twill Gel Futon Mattress offers an excellent balance of support and comfort, which is good news for those who often sleep on their back. When back sleeping, I felt my midsection gently sinking into the top surface, but thanks to the support layer underneath, I got enough lumbar support in this position. 

Folks who prefer sleeping on their sides should also have a good experience on the Mozaic Full Size Cotton Twill Gel Futon Mattress. When I slept on my side, I felt excellent pressure relief along my shoulders and hips. 

One thing to note, while this futon is pictured with a frame when you check vendor websites, it's just the mattress and cover they're selling. It makes a great replacement futon mattress and comes in more colors than any other futon on this list.

If you have a preference towards foam mattresses and want a nice mattress that has notable thickness to add to your existing frame, this is a great choice. It's returnable within 30 days if you don't like it, so you're not taking a huge risk by opting to try this one out. Its price ranges from $265 to $281 on Amazon. Amazon also provides a 30-day return policy to mattresses that are in their original state.