:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheresaHolland_Headshot_2021-f9bc5eec829e46bb9191615c22852e07.jpeg){kind=small}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheresaHolland_Headshot_2021-f9bc5eec829e46bb9191615c22852e07.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1251476946-576ef1cd1b464974bf20b557f9b219dd.jpg)
Getty Images / archigram
Dating back to 17th-century Japan, the futon is the original sofa bed—and like any sleeper sofa, the mattress shouldn't be overlooked. Able to double as both seating and a sleeping surface, futons are convertible and adjustable, making them essential pieces in rooms that do double-duty for relaxing and welcoming guests overnight.
To be extra safe, Keith Cushner, sleep product expert at SleepFoundation.org, advises shoppers to look for futons made from memory foam. "Memory foam is a strong choice for futons to add the extra support that the smaller frames may not be able to provide," he says. With this in mind, we researched standout futon mattresses in various materials and thicknesses. We prioritized details like comfort, cushioning, and support for a variety of sleepers, paying attention to a mattress's adaptability as well.
Best Overall
Wolf by Serta Chestnut Cotton and Foam 8" Futon Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wolfsertabestfutonmattresses-b3091ae35fc94a12853e9585ffeaa1ec.jpg)
Plush yet supportive
Five colors available
Five-year warranty
Cover isn't removable or washable
For optimal comfort and support, Cushner recommends memory foam mattresses for futons—and the thicker, the better. The Chestnut from Wolf by Serta is 8 inches thick, which is above average for this type of mattress. In addition to a memory foam core, it features a gel foam layer for extra plushness. This product is CertiPUR-US certified, too, ensuring the foams pass indoor emissions standards and are free of potentially harmful substances.
A light, lofty blend of polyester and cotton fibers surround the foam layers, and the mattress itself is encased in a breathable cotton fabric. While we wish the cover were removable and machine-washable, we appreciate that it comes in five colors to complement various interior design schemes.
The Chestnut is available in two mattress sizes to fit most futon sofas. Not only is this mattress comfortable and supportive, but it's also durable. You can count on it to last for years under daily sitting and occasional sleeping. The brand even backs it with a five-year warranty.
Price at time of publish: $278 for Full Size
Sizes: Full, Queen | Thickness: 8 inches | Type: Traditional tufted | Material: Memory foam, gel foam, poly-cotton fibers, cotton | Certifications: CertiPUR-US
Best Budget
Alwyn Home Fibre Futon Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/alwynhomebestfutonmattresses-6721333154ca43a2af7b3faa5c469e80.jpg)
Thick and plush
Washable cover
Several colors available
Not very breathable
On a budget? We recommend the Alwyn Home Fibre Futon Mattress. It features bonded layers of shredded polyurethane foam wrapped in a soft, machine-washable fabric cover.
Keep in mind that the foam core material and polyester cover aren't particularly breathable and may trap heat. However, the medium-firm feel is still plenty comfortable for sitting and sleeping. You can choose from two sizes (twin or full) and two thicknesses (6 or 8 inches). This futon mattress also comes in eight colors, so you'll definitely find something that works with your decor.
Price at time of publish: $124 for Twin Size
Sizes: Twin, Full | Thickness: 6 or 8 inches | Type: Traditional tufted | Material: Shredded polyurethane foam, polyester | Certifications: None
Best Splurge
Natural Home by The Futon Shop Natural Wool & Organic Cotton Shiki Futon Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/naturalhomebestfutonmattresses-04eb24378bb94ad8bfbcb66cd145528a.jpeg)
Temperature-regulating
Washable cover
Seven sizes
Expensive
Not the thickest
If you want the best of the best and have a larger budget, consider the Shiki Futon Mattress. Modeled after traditional Japanese shikibutons, it boasts multiple layers of organic cotton and untreated wool. The combination of materials is naturally insulating yet breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you at a comfortable temperature while you sleep.
You can choose from seven sizes and two thicknesses (3 or 5 inches). While this option isn't as thick as some futon mattresses, it's about average for traditional designs. We also like that the cotton twill cover is removable and washable.
Price at time of publish: $1,112 for Twin Size
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, Eastern King, Cal King | Thickness: 3 or 5 inches | Type: Traditional shikibuton | Material: Wool, organic cotton | Certifications: USDA Organic, GOTS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100
Best Memory Foam
Milliard Memory Foam Futon Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/milliardbestfutonmattresses-c0161da655564cfcb649bdd96dee9d31.jpg)
Plush yet supportive
Washable cover
Nonslip bottom
Not CertiPUR-US certified
Only one size
Per Cushner's recommendation, memory foam is a great choice for futon beds. This ultra-comfy mattress is 8 inches thick, with 4 inches of high-density foam at the base and 2 inches of responsive memory foam on top. The result? A supremely soft yet supportive sleeping experience.
This mattress also has a machine-washable bamboo fabric cover and a grippy bottom to prevent it from slipping off the futon frame. One thing to note is that the foam isn't CertiPUR-US certified. And although the futon comes in one size (full), most futon frames are designed to accommodate full-size mattresses.
Price at time of publish: $210 (One Size)
Sizes: Full | Thickness: 6 inches | Type: Plush foam | Material: Memory foam, high-density support foam, bamboo fabric | Certifications: None
Best Cold Foam
The Twillery Co. Aviva 7" Cold Foam Full Size Futon Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/twillerybestfutonmattresses-24a2184cae8a43e0af1e157f7989f5ab.jpg)
Good for sitting and sleeping
Thicker than average
Washable cover
Not CertiPUR-US certified
Only one size
Cold foam (also called "poly-foam") is formed with a heatless process, hence the name. The material is notably durable but also flexible and elastic, making it a comfortable choice for furniture. This cold foam mattress from The Twillery Co. consists of high-density poly-foam blocks.
While the futon mattress is a generous 7 inches thick, the unique design folds effortlessly, making it easy to convert from a sofa to a full-size bed. Not only that, but it comes in three colors and has a removable, machine-washable cover. Just a heads up, though, the Aviva isn't CertiPUR-US certified, and off-gassing is a concern for some types of polyurethane foam.
Price at time of publish: $466 (One Size)
Sizes: Full | Thickness: 7 inches | Type: Tufted cold foam | Material: Polyurethane foam, polyester | Certifications: None
Best Innerspring
Kodiak Furniture Linen Futon Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kodiakbestfutonmattresses-28915089429740249c8aa4ad80162ff0.jpg)
Supportive yet plush
Thicker than average
Five colors available
Cover isn't removable or washable
Not actually linen
The best innerspring futon mattress is this tufted option from Kodiak Furniture. It features traditional Bonnell-style springs that flex with the weight of your body and offer support where you need it. Foam and cotton layers ensure a plush feel in any position without sacrificing support.
Take note that this mattress is 8 inches thick. According to Cushner, a good thickness like this helps ensure that you or your guests won't feel the bars of the frame underneath. And while it's called the "Linen Mattress," the cover isn't real linen but instead linen-style cotton. Lastly, keep in mind that you can't remove the cover to wash it, but it should be easy to spot-clean.
Price at time of publish: $270 (One Size)
Sizes: Full | Thickness: 8 inches | Type: Innerspring tufted | Material: Coils, foam, cotton | Certifications: CertiPUR-US
Best Hybrid
Vital 8-Inch Hybrid Foam & Coil Full Futon Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vitalbestfutonmattresses-460841158aed465d876fd3a2951c2420.jpg)
Isolates movement
Six colors available
10-year warranty
Only one size
Cover isn't removable or washable
The best hybrid futon mattress is this 8-inch foam and coil number. It features individually wrapped fabric-encased springs to help evenly distribute your weight and minimize motion transfer. Then there are multiple layers of high-density foam for maximum cushioning and support.
The foam is CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring that it passes emissions standards for indoor air quality. While this mattress only comes in one size, it fits most futon frames. And while the microfiber cover isn't removable, you can spot-clean it as needed. We think that the 10-year warranty doesn't hurt, either.
Price at time of publish: $720 (One Size)
Sizes: Full | Thickness: 8 inches | Type: Hybrid | Material: Foam, coils, microfiber | Certifications: CertiPUR-US
Best Traditional
Emoor Classe Japanese Floor Futon
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EmoorClasseSeriesShikifutonJapaneseFutonMattress-c7dd8715cc2d44fe8bc3cd8ed9fc0e5a.jpg)
Amazon
Traditional design
Made by skilled craftspeople
Seven sizes available
Relatively thin
Not washable
Interested in a traditional futon mattress? Check out the Emoor Shikifuton. The triple-layer design features a firm pad sandwiched by two poly-fiber layers. Instead of stitching all the layers together, it's quilted only on the outside to prevent compression.
This sleeper isn't merely inspired by Japanese-style futons—it's actually made in Japan by skilled craftspeople. Though it's thinner than others on this list, 2.5 inches is standard for traditional shikibutons. Available in seven sizes, you can place it directly on the floor or on top of any slatted bed. Since it's not washable, we recommend buying a cover separately.
Price at time of publish: $175 (One Size)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, King, Semi-double XL | Thickness: 2.5 inches | Type: Japanese | Material: Cotton, polyester | Certifications: None
Best Folding
Maxyoyo Padded Folding Japanese Floor Futon Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/maxyoyobestfutonmattresses-90a320e0b09a476a9ea511d1486e7022.jpg)
Versatile
Edge support
15 colors available
Cover isn't removable or washable
Not CertiPUR-US certified
If you're looking for something that folds into a futon frame without a fuss or that rolls up for easy storage, we suggest Maxyoyo. This mattress is 5 inches thick and features a memory foam core surrounded by two layers of quilting. The foam isn't CertiPUR-US certified, but this multi-layer sleeper is designed to encourage airflow.
While the soft polyester cover isn't removable, it comes in a whopping 15 different colors. All four sides are reinforced to prevent you from sinking in when you sit down. Even without a futon frame, the foldable, rollable design can be set up in a pinch to accommodate guests.
Price at time of publish: $144 (Twin Size)
Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen | Thickness: 5 inches | Type: Traditional roll-up | Material: Memory foam, polyester | Certifications: None
Best Topper
Linenspa Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/LinenspaQueen2InchGelInfusedMemoryFoamMattressTopper-89f3867fe10947aa931b47efa34c01fe.jpg)
Amazon
Plush pressure relief
Cooling gel beads
10 sizes available
Doesn't fold up with futon
"Mattress toppers that contour to the shape of the sleeper can help avoid morning aches and pains after a night spent on a futon," says Cushner. With that in mind, we like this gel-infused memory foam option from Linenspa. It comes in 10 sizes and two thicknesses (2 or 3 inches).
To be sure, almost any regular mattress topper will work on a futon as long as it's the right size. And even if the size isn't exactly right, thin memory foam pads are pretty easy to cut with heavy-duty scissors. Beyond that, the material offers pressure relief and plushness from head to toe, while the gel beads help prevent overheating.
Price at time of publish: $63 for 2-inch Queen Size
Sizes: Small Single, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, Short Queen, RV Queen, King, Cal King | Thickness: 2 or 3 inches | Type: Topper | Material: Gel-infused memory foam | Certifications: CertiPUR US
Best Color Options
BRIGHTSHOW Japanese Floor Thicken Foldable 2.5" Memory Foam Queen Futon Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Screenshot2023-03-21at10.34.13AM-9a66529de24d4555a907436fc8916d0c.png)
Wayfair
18 color options
Supportive memory foam construction
Dust-proof cover, storage straps, and carrier bag included
Only one size available
Relatively thin
For a more design-forward pick sure to match your decor style, consider this futon mattress from BRIGHTSNOW, which comes in 18 different color options. While futons in general aren’t necessarily the most visually appealing, these unique colors allow them to match with the rest of your space, whether you plan to keep yours in your playroom or basement.
The Japanese futon mattress is constructed with a memory foam core, which provides a plush yet supportive base to sleep on. Additionally, it comes with a cotton dustproof cover for a soft outer shell. We love how easy this futon is to roll up and store, as the included storage straps and carrier bag make it extremely simple to pack up when not in use. Athough it’s only 2.5 inches thick, we think its memory foam core will help the product deliver on comfort.
Price at time of publish: $165 (One Size)
Sizes: Queen | Thickness: 2.5 inches | Type: Japanese | Material: Cotton, memory foam | Certifications: None listed
Best Organic
ComfortCorrect Full Size Organic Luxury with Wool Futon Mattress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Screenshot2023-03-21at10.38.25AM-d07b4584cbe84046a5a1a4f908da4ca6.png)
Walmart
High-quality materials
Plush and supportive layered construction
Organic cotton shell for added comfort
Pricey
Only one size available
This futon mattress from ComfortCorrect not only offers a high-quality layered construction, but it's also encased by a GOTS-certified organic cotton shell, so you can sleep comfortably knowing that you aren’t sleeping on any harmful chemicals. We were impressed with the thoughtful construction of this futon, as it’s made using multiple layers of high-resiliency foam layered with cotton and wool. The outer shell also features double-stitched seams and tufted construction for added security
At 60 pounds, this is definitely one of the heavier options on this list, but we’re confident that it’ll provide a sturdy and comfortable base that’ll last you for years to come. And while this pick is definitely a splurge, we think its plush, supportive, and surprisingly cozy feel makes it well worth the price tag.
Price at time of publish: $598 (One Size)
Sizes: Full | Thickness: Not listed | Type: Traditional tufted | Material: Cotton, wool, high-resiliency foam | Certifications: GOTS Certified Organic Cotton
Our top choice is the Wolf by Serta Chestnut Futon Mattress. It's 8 inches thick with multiple layers of plush support and backed by a five-year warranty (view at Wayfair). But if you're interested in a traditional Japanese shikibuton, you can't go wrong with the artisan-made Emoor Shikifuton Futon Mattress (view at Amazon).
What to Look For When Buying a Futon Mattress
Material
As mentioned earlier, Cushner strongly recommends memory foam for futons, as they provide the extra support that smaller frames might not be able to provide.
If you prefer something firmer, consider innerspring, cold foam, or a hybrid mattress containing both coils and foam layers. Then there are traditional Japanese futons (or shikibutons), which typically feature multiple layers of quilted cotton padding.
Thickness
Futon mattresses can be anywhere from 2 to 8 inches thick. Our top pick, the Chestnut from Wolf by Serta, is 8 inches thick, which is above average for this type of mattress. Bear in mind that anything thicker than 8 inches will be harder to bend into the upright sofa position. Traditional Japanese shikibutons are usually on the thinner side, though they're meant to be placed on the floor.
"It's not uncommon for a sleeper to be able to feel the bars of the frame through the mattress," says Cushner. "Because of this, a thicker mattress or mattress topper would be the best option."
Firmness
Firmness is mostly a matter of personal preference. But since futon mattresses double as sofa cushions, you'll generally want to err on the firmer side. That will ensure plenty of support for both sitters and sleepers.
-
What is the best material for a futon mattress?
According to Cushner, memory foam is ideal for futon mattresses. He explains that the material contours to the shape of your body and offers additional support that the frame might not provide. For something slightly firmer, consider cold foam or a hybrid mattress featuring both spring coils and foam.
-
How do you make a futon mattress more comfortable?
"Mattress toppers and pillows with adequate neck support are ideal for futons because of the lack of support from the beds themselves," Cushner tells The Spruce. He recommends memory foam, which can provide pressure relief and ultimately help sleepers "avoid morning aches and pains after a night spent on a futon."
-
How do you clean a futon mattress?
The proper way to clean a futon mattress depends on the design and material. Some have removable covers you can toss in the washing machine and tumble-dry. Without a removable cover, you'll need to spot-clean the outer fabric with a mild cleaning solution. In addition to bedding, it might be a good idea to get a washable cover for the mattress, especially if the futon doubles as everyday seating.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a commerce writer, editor, and product reviewer specializing in home goods and lifestyle. She interviewed a sleep product expert for this article, who offered insight into the best futon mattress styles and materials. Before landing on the final selections, she considered dozens of options and referenced peer-reviewed journals for information on the inherent qualities of different materials. The featured products stand out in terms of design, versatility, care requirements, and overall value. Theresa covers furniture, mattresses, bedding, and decor at The Spruce.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1226971805-12a3da409aae476cb9b3b6dd11c24127.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/matresses-for-side-sleepers-dabca7a2765042d382e92e6f1f3443dc.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mattress-topper-group-photo-phoebe-cheong-photo-01-46836cc52135465095811fc4afe865df.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bunk-bed-mattresses-tout-e201af5e8f634f0381b850fe20efc54c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-7-best-memory-foam-mattress-toppers-4587071-01-6c95dc52cfc64ec4905ba7a2ae2ca46e.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-best-mattresses-tout-ac7e4dfbf2b946e8b11666d3a23fe687.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-best-memory-foam-mattresses-for-a-good-nights-sleep-tout-557fdef59dcf4f4f9b28e682566a7656.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/_best-cheap-mattresses-5084878-27d2325dbdd7418e864520b33805cd47.png)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Hybrid-Mattresses-5104828-f4074ba2458541ad9acd58a6170df05f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-8-best-rollaway-beds-4154226-1cd1a0abbda94715a2f2d253e8701c42.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/best-innerspring-mattresses-5271841-01513b48fcb54e08ba849409f4a17417.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-8-best-queen-mattresses-4150122-01-fb529d58427c44a5a5860c1532b2cc5a.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-v2-6-best-king-mattresses-4151092-01-dc791d5095d14ae5a3de2980bd638c7d.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Mattresses-for-Allergies-SPR-Tout-fb7c1ea905df4add9fb9aaead1c1d915.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Sleeper-Sofas-SPR-tout-b249438ec748499eadb4f5b1a7f8ea13.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Wedge-Pillows-5223948-8b023c55c2ee4cd0b0e49495a77be5c8.jpg)