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How to Choose Your Futon Mattress

Choosing a futon mattress with Room Doctor should be as easy as possible. We realize that not everyone has the opportunity to try out their futons before purchasing. For this reason we have designed this page to be as informative as possible, and to serve a guide to the differences in types of futons we carry. You will find general information here about the materials used in our futon mattresses, the way they feel, what people should and should not use them for, and more.

If at any point you need help, or have questions, ask the futon experts: 866-766-6362

We are here to assist you with expert advice and our many years of experience. Use us to ensure the greatest futon experience!

Important Considerations When Choosing a Futon

How do you intend to use the futon, and how often?

If your futon will only be used for only occasional sitting and/or sleeping, you may want to consider something in the Cotton & Foam Futon category, or even one of the High Density Foam Futons if you are willing to spend a little more.

If you intend to use it on a couch or lounger frame, and more frequently, Cotton and Foam Futons will work well, particularly with loungers, but you may also want to invest in something better to increase the lifespan of the futon. Also, if you have a lounger or tri-fold frame, keep in mind that some futon mattresses, particularly the High Density & Pressurized Foam Futons will not bend well in the leg area because they are lightweight and super resilient. For this reason, we recommend you consult with us about purchasing a Split Futon (a two-piece futon) if you are interested in putting a premium High Density or Pressurized Foam Futon on a tri-fold frame.

If you intend to use it very frequently and/or on your primary sleeping bed, we cannot stress enough the many benefits of making a larger investment in your futon mattress. Traditional Cotton and Foam Futons will be o.k. for a while, but High Density & Pressurized Foam Futons, as well as Innerspring Futons will provide you with the longevity and comfort you expect and deserve in a quality bed mattress.

How do you want your futon to feel?

Everyone seems to have a slightly different idea of what makes for a comfortable futon, and the materials used in our futons can make a significant difference in your sitting and sleeping experiences.

  • Traditional Cotton & Foam Futon Mattresses tend to be flexible, and medium-soft to medium-firm in feel. Over time, the cotton inside will compress a bit, which makes these futons more firm. However, the fibre foam inside will remain resilient for much, much longer. You can extend the life of these futons by flipping them over from time to time.
  • High Density Foam Futons range from relatively soft to medium-firm, while the Pressurized Foam Futons can range from ultra-soft to medium-firm. Room Doctor’s Foam Futon Mattress varieties are all very resilient, and will last a very long time. ALL foam futons share a characteristic “feel” that some might classify as “squishy” or “spongy”. Suffice it to say, they have a distinctly different feel than Innerspring Futons which tend to be “springy” like a traditional innerspring mattress in comparison. High Density Foam futons actually contour the shape of your body to relieve aches and pains. This is great news, particularly if you are a side sleeper. A common complaint for side sleepers using innerspring mattresses is that the stiffness of the springs put added pressure on your body where your natural curves are — hips and lower back — which creates discomfort. The Dream Easy and Rest Easy have worked very well for people who dislike the rigidity of springs, and the Otis Brand futons certainly will as well.
  • Innerspring Futon Mattresses tend to have that springy feel that most traditional mattresses have, which makes them ideal replacements for your old spring mattresses. They are perfect for platform beds, providing you with a traditional Innerspring Mattress feel. However, the added benefit of Innerspring Futons is that they are also designed to bend down the length of the middle, making them perfect for futon sofa bed frames that you and your guests may sit and sleep on frequently. Room Doctor’s Upholstered Futon Mattresses are also Innerspring Futons with a more traditional feel, much like an innerspring mattress, but each includes a fully integrated upholstery-grade futon cover. These integrated upholstery-grade covers are extremely durable and quite beautiful.

What’s your budget?

The amount of money you have to spend will obviously be an important factor in futon mattress selection. As with many things in life, a few dollars more can make a lot of difference in the product you buy and futon mattresses are no different. We recommend you invest as much money as you can in the futon mattress itself, because your comfort is ultimately derived from the futon mattress, NOT the frame. In most instances, spending more on your futon will provide more comfort and resiliency, as well as ensure a longer futon lifespan. It’s worth it! However, often times people will be on a budget and our lower level models are all outstanding choices for the price, if you cannot spend more. Feel free to use our expertise in your efforts to decide on the right futon mattress if you’re working with a fixed budget. Just call us! 866-766-6362

Does a futon ALSO make a great bed?

In a word, YES! Every futon has a purpose, and choosing the right one based on your needs is essential. When comparing “Futons as Beds” to “Traditional Bedding” on the basis of price and comfort, a futon wins hands down; as long as you buy the right one. We’re here to help you make the right choice. Here are some other important factors that come into play. Consider these:

  • Comfort Preferences — What kind of comfort or “feel” you prefer — soft, medium, firm, plush, spongy, springy, etc. — plays an important role in selecting a futon for use as a bed. Some customers are tempted to sacrifice comfort because of a price they like, even if they don’t have to. You want your futon to be as comfortable as possible and last a long time; not just be affordable.
  • Weight/Compression — Whether or not a particular futon mattress will make a great bed can depend on how much weight will be placed on the futon mattress, and how frequently. Increased weight equals increased compression in cotton & foam futon varieties, and will tend to shorten the lifespan of those kinds of futons. However, weight is generally NOT a consideration for high density foam futons, premium or luxury futons (like Otis Brand), or innerspring futons due to the superior material quality, resiliency, and the fact that there is no need for cotton batting material.
  • Futon Price as a Function of Futon Longevity — How many years do you want your futon bed to last? This is the key reason for our suggesting that you increase your dollar investment in your futon mattress up front. Generally, the more you spend the better the quality of materials, comfort level, AND futon lifespan. And, unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, with a futon mattress you only need to pay a little bit more for a significant increase in futon comfort level and longevity. Just compare our futon selection and their prices against each other for the proof.
  • In General, Futons vs. Traditional Innerspring Mattresses — The inherent beauty of futon mattresses is that they truly are cost-effective & simple alternatives to expensive traditional mattresses, yet they outperform traditional mattresses in so many ways. When you consider that futon mattresses are affordable, highly flexible, easy to move, and serve multiple applications (bed, couch, lounge, etc.), it’s no wonder why today’s next generation futons should be your bedding choice for the future!

Most Common Questions

Q: What are your firmest futon mattresses?
A: The Haley and the Gold Bond Euro Coil
Q: What are your softest futon mattresses?
A: The 10” Visco Dream and the 9” Tender Touch
Q: What are the most popular futon mattresses you sell?
A: For the budget-conscious, the 9” Tender Touch and 10” Posture Perfect are the most popular. For those wanting the best, the Euro Coil, The Dream Easy, and the Otis Moonshadow are the top picks.
Q: What is the advantage of an Innerspring Futon?
A: They feel most like a traditional bed mattress, but at a fraction of the price of a quality traditional mattress
Q: How do I tell what futons are best for ME, given how I plan to use it?
A:
  • Occasional use or heavy short term use, most people choose the Cotton/Fibre Foam
  • Everyday seating like in Living Rooms or Family Rooms, any premium style futon-Densified Foam or Innerspring Futon Mattress
  • Everyday sleeping, (on a futon frame or a platform bed), Innersprings or Pressurized densified foam. Otis futons are initially expensive, but sleeping is a third of your life. How well you sleep will greatly affect how much you enjoy your awake hours. Put the money into it-it’ll still be less than a decent traditional bed mattress.
  • Occasional seating and Once in a while sleeping. It really depends on the people that will be occasionally sleeping on it and how much you need to accommodate; family members are usually less forgiving than friends who casually pop in. You may want to go a step above the fibre foam, but you don’t need to go as high as the pressurized foam.

Shop for Futon Mattresses

The futon mattresses we stock fall into the main categories found below. Use these links to go directly to the futon mattress pages and you can start shopping. Remember, you can always call a futon expert with your questions while you shop: 866-766-6362