Do you wish to know how to choose your futon? Sleep is simply essential to life. But getting a good night’s sleep is important because bad sleeping can seriously damage your health.
Bedding brands understood this early on. They are therefore investing heavily in innovative technologies to provide their customers with all the comfort they need.
As a futon user for 20 years, I will give you some tips for choosing the right futon for your needs.
Also read: Are the futons comfortable?
Easy Steps to Help You Choose a Futon Mattress
It’s up to the users to choose the right mattress choice and, above all, to choose the right size. When it comes to choosing a mattress, a futon can provide a solution to the majority of customers’ sleeping problems.
Renowned for its sleeping qualities and exceptional comfort, the futon mattress is a perfect ally for sleep as long as certain conditions are met. Let’s find out how to choose your futon.
Futon: the traditional Japanese mattress now a Western bedding classic
We often associate the futon with the land of the Rising Sun. The truth is this mattress is not a Japanese invention.
Originating in India, it passed through China before being imported into Japan. The Japanese quickly adopted this makeshift bed and made it an essential part of their bedding.
In its traditional form, the futon measures no more than 10 cm. It comprises several layers of carded cotton held together by a cotton cover.
To use it, all you had to do was lay it on the floor or Tatami (a special floor covering made of padded mats originating in Japan).
Today, the Western version of the Japanese bed has nothing in common with the traditional futon. The mattress has evolved in its structure after a lot of changes.
In addition to cotton, manufacturers offer different sleeping technologies (latex, coir, memory foam, etc.).
In addition, the thickness of the mattress has been increased for greater longevity. Unsurprisingly, the futon has come into its own in America
Why choose a futon for your bedding?
Recent futon models have been designed to be practical, ecological, and comfortable.
Practical and functional
Back then, futons could be installed anywhere for sleeping, thanks to their minimalist design. Despite the transformations it has undergone over time, this characteristic has remained.
The futon takes up very little space. You don’t need a large room or special fittings to install it. It takes up very little space. Fold it up after use and store it in the cupboard.
An environmentally-friendly product
Most futon models are made from natural, breathable materials such as cotton, coir, and natural latex.
Some mattresses include materials such as wool, cashmere, and silk. So, the manufacturing process considerably minimizes the impact on the environment.
Covering.
Choose a quality covering that is durable, easy to care for, and matches your preferred aesthetic. Futons can be upholstered in fabric, synthetic leather, or other materials, depending on your taste.
Optimum comfort
Futons are inherently comfortable. Cotton, the original material, gives the mattress a very firm feel. As a result, the sleeper can feel the much-needed support in every part of their body.
The futon also guarantees perfect air circulation. Its various variations (natural latex, wool, memory foam, etc.) have retained all its support and aeration potential.
Sleepers will feel at ease, whatever their build or sleeping habits.
Test it: If possible, try out the futon before you buy it. Lie on it for a few minutes to assess its comfort and support.
Consider your budget: Set a budget for your futon and look for options that fit your price range. It’s important to balance quality and price to get a futon that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
How Do I Choose A Futon Bed?
Many futon models are available on the market. While some are closer to the traditional Japanese shape, others have a modern structure.
It makes the choice difficult for those looking to change their bedding.
To be sure of acquiring a quality model, you need to consider certain criteria when choosing your futons, such as sleeping technology, dimensions, thickness, and sleeper profile.
Bedding technology
Futons are made from a variety of materials.
The most common materials on the market are :
Latex: this material adds suppleness to the mattress. What’s more, it doesn’t pack down, so sleepers are more comfortable in winter;
Cotton: thanks to the firmness provided by cotton, futons offer sleepers good horizontal support. They benefit from exceptional back support;
coir: its main advantage is that it aerates and stiffens the futon’s interior. The natural springing effect it induces is very beneficial for corpulent or overweight people;
wool: this material offers excellent thermal regulation. It guarantees a dry environment for people who sweat a lot at night;
memory foam: couples can enjoy independent sleeping.
It’s up to the user to choose the right sleeping technology for their needs.
Dimensions
Futons are available in single and double sizes. So there’s something for everyone. On the market, you’ll find :
70 x 140 cm or 60 x 120 cm baby futon mattresses;
1-seater futon mattresses for children and adults, 90 x 190 cm and 90 x 200 cm (for larger sizes);
2-seater futon mattresses 140 x 190 cm and 140 x 200 cm (for people over 1m70);
For even greater comfort, Queen-size (160 x 200 cm) or King-size (180 x 200 cm) futon mattresses.
Futon thickness
Traditional futons are no thicker than 10 cm. Western futons, on the other hand, are thicker (between 12 and 20 cm).
The thicker the futon, the more supple it is. The choice of futon thickness will depend on the sleeper’s needs and morphology.
A firmer futon will provide adequate back support for corpulent or overweight people. On the other hand, smaller people or children will be satisfied with a thicker futon for a softer welcome.
Aesthetics and design
The futon adds a cachet to the interior. From a bedding accessory, it is now considered a decorative object.
Aesthetics and design are, therefore, just as important as functionality and features when choosing a futon for children and adults.
Futons are available in a variety of shapes and colors. The choice is wide from traditional models in sober colors to more trendy, modern models in bright colors and patterned models.
Moreover, some brands offer elegant leather futons, more suited to professional use.
Here are a few tips on futon use
Proper use of the futon will preserve all its properties and ensure its durability.
Here are a few tips :
. Turn the futon over regularly (once a month) in both directions (foot/head and top/bottom) to prevent the fibers in the mattress from settling;
. use support (slatted bed base or Tatami) to ensure good mattress ventilation;
. cover the mattress with a cover or mattress protector to protect it from stains and other soiling;
. clean stains with water and natural products;
. Expose the futon to the sun, weather permitting, to evacuate moisture.
Ultimately, the futon perfectly meets the expectations of even the most demanding sleepers. However, ensuring it’s a quality model offering superior comfort is important.
Given its characteristics, this mattress represents a credible alternative to traditional sleeping solutions.
As a bedding accessory or decorative object, the futon still has a bright future.
Twin Size Futons
The size of the beds is the same as that of good futon pillows. They are both the same size.
Even though mattresses and futons can be made in any size, all American beds and futons must meet certain standards.
The depth can be between 5 and 20 inches, but the length and width are always the same. So, you can put a mattress or couch on any normal bed platform.
Most beds and futons the right size for a crib are 32 inches wide and 75 inches long. Mattresses and futons that are twin size are 39 inches wide and 75 inches long.
Extra-long twin beds are 39 inches broad and 80 inches long, equivalent to the width of a twin bed and the length of a queen bed.
Queen and King’s futons are less popular than Full and Twin futons because they aren’t often used as the main couch in a home.
Whether you want to buy a whole new futon or change the cover or mattress, you need to know the exact measurements of the one you already have.
Conclusion
Now you know how to choose your futon. Always remember that Everyone has individual preferences regarding comfort, so it’s important to try out different futons and consider your own needs before making a final choice.
I have an extensive article stating Is futon mattress good for sleeping?