what are futons filled with

What Are Futons

Filled With? Traditional Japanese futons are filled up with 100% organic cotton. But these days, foam is added with cotton to maintain rigidity. Because over time cotton gets compressed and becomes hard and lumpy. But Western futons are now filled up with latex mainly, as latex made futons are comfortable to sleep on.

Full Answer

What is a futon?

Usually found in Japanese homes, a futon is traditional Japanese bedding. It is easy to fold, roll, and tuck away in a large closet during the day. The word futon is Japanese and refers to a mat or a cushion filled with cotton or leaves. A traditional futon must be folded daily and aired in the sun to keep it fresh and durable.

Can a futon bed be made of metal?

You'll also find options with frames made of metal, such as chrome or steel. The latter typically offers better durability, though it depends on the design. Futons typically convert into a bed by folding down the back, creating a fully reclined makeshift bed.

What's a good budget option for a futon?

If you're looking for something even more budget-friendly, check out the Serta Rane Futon ( view at Amazon ), which is durable, comfortable, and priced well under $200. As Castagna mentioned, it's important to remember that you're looking for something that works as both a seating option and a bed. For this reason, adequate cushioning is crucial.

How many colors does a futon come in?

It’s also available in six colors, which means you can fit it into the aesthetic of your room. The Novogratz Brittany Linen Futon is a large futon that can double as a couch and still maintains its look regardless of what shape it is. The product comes with a vibrant, dark grey color that holds its luster and quality for long.

What are futon mattresses stuffed with?

Unlike the sofa beds called “futons” in the US, Japanese futons are quilted sleeping pads that are stuffed with cotton or fiber fill and can sit directly on the floor or on a foam, tatami, or wooden mat.

What's inside futon?

Early futon mattresses from Japan had fillings such as reeds, hay, or even animal hair. Today, most futon mattress products have a foam filling, innersprings, or a combination of foam and coils. These mattresses are quite thin compared to standard bed-only mattresses, but they are functional.

What do Japanese put under futon?

The term traditionally describes a bedding system rather than the bed itself, and consists of a base (shikibuton), the futon mattress itself, which is typically stuffed with cotton, a comforter (kakebuton) or blanket (moku), and a pillow (makura) that's often filled with beans or foam.

Why do Japanese use futons instead of beds?

Some of the main benefits of traditional Japanese futon mattresses vs. mattresses are that they are thin and foldable. This means that they can be stored when not in use, which can save lots of space. You can use a Japanese futon mattress for both sleeping and sitting, depending on what type of surface you need.

Is it healthy to sleep on a futon?

No evidence shows sleeping on a futon regularly would harm your health. As long as you have a comfortable futon that provides both cushioning and support, it's okay to sleep on it every night. Lack of comfort and support when sleeping could cause back pain, regardless of whether you're sleeping on a bed or futon.

Why do Japanese sleep on floors?

In Japan, the majority of people sleep on the floor rather than in western-style beds. This has always been a part of Japanese customs dating back to the 10th century when people placed hemp mats on the floor before sleeping. Today, many Japanese people sleep on a tatami mat made of rice straw.

Do tatami mats attract bugs?

The tatami mats are made of straws and easily absorb moisture. If the surfaces is covered for prolonged periods, it will get moldy and even attract bugs ( yuck! ). A damaged tatami mat will require replacement, and this means you'll need to shell out an extra the day you move out!

What tatami smells like?

If you've never encountered a tatami room before, you may be surprised to learn that tatami has a unique smell. For many Japanese, the smell is described as sweet and/or nostalgic, reminding them of the smell at a relative's home when they were young.

Can you sleep on a futon every night?

You can also use a futon mattress for a traditional bed. Many of our customers prefer futon mattresses to other traditional bedding. So yes, well made futons are an excellent choice for everynight sleeping.

How do the Japanese shower?

When bathing Japanese-style, you are supposed to first rinse your body outside the bath tub with the shower or a washbowl. Afterwards, you enter the tub, which is used for soaking only. The bath water tends to be relatively hot, typically between 40 and 43 degrees.

Do you put sheets on a Japanese futon?

Unlike Western-style beds, which require a bed frame and a mattress, the Japanese futon lays directly on the floor. It's quite easy to set up a futon; we have a manga guide here! First, lay the shikibuton on the floor. Next, spread the sheets on top of the futon, and then fold the excess underneath for a tight fit.

How do you revive a futon mattress?

But how do you fix a sagging futon mattress? To fix a sagging futon mattress, first try adding a board or plywood underneath your futon, then flip and rotate your futon mattress, clean and air out your futon mattress, try adding pillows underneath the mattress, and add another layer to your futon.

How does a futon work?

0:001:40How Does a Futon Work - Bronze Series by Night and Day - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs always grab the seat by its handles lift it up find the lock push. The seat down grab theMoreAs always grab the seat by its handles lift it up find the lock push. The seat down grab the mattress at the back and push the seat in listen for this sound.

Why do Japanese use futons?

The Japanese people have been living on futons for a very long time . In the olden days, the Japanese slept on the floor on tatami mats with only a hard pillow to support the head. A soft foldable mattress was added to this sleeping arrangement to add comfort and experiment with colorful bedding.

What is the difference between futon and sofa bed?

The main difference is that the mattress for a sofa bed is hidden underneath the frame when used as a couch and has separate seat cushions. The mattress for a futon, on the other hand, is used as the seat cushion and mattress. When it is in its sofa form, a sofa bed looks and feels just like a traditional couch.

What do Japanese people sleep on?

tatami matIt is common practice in Japan to sleep on a very thin mattress over a tatami mat, made of rice straw and woven with soft rush grass. The Japanese believe this practice will help your muscles relax, allowing for a natural alignment of your hips, shoulders and spine.

What is a Futon?

Futons are traditional Japanese-style or Western-style seats that can be folded out into a mattress. The padded cushion of the sofa is used as a bed. Futons are also referred to as sofa beds and commonly feature quilted or foam mattresses instead of a standard innerspring mattress.

Benefits of Futons

As mentioned previously, futons can help you save space since they can easily be folded up as a couch and folded out to resemble a bed.

A Quick History of Futons

Futons were originally made popular in Japan due to their easy storage and portability option. It wasn’t long before other countries started to follow the trend and design their own versions of futons.

Types of Futons (Based on Frames)

The size of these frames corresponds to the length of the mattress. A bi-fold futon can range in a length from 77 to 80 inches so this is the minimum space you’ll need to fit the frame.

Most Common Futon Styles

This futon style is beautiful and most practical as a bed when compared to other futon styles. This is thanks to the easy-to-set-up mechanisms of armless futons. You can also use the seat cushion as a mattress.

Futon Mattress Materials

The traditional Japanese futon mattresses were filled with rice straw or horsehair. Nowadays, most futon mattresses are usually filled with foam and cotton.

Dimensions

Futons are traditionally laid on tatami rush mats, which are resilient and can absorb and re-release up to half a liter of moisture each. Tatamis measure 1 by 0.5 ken, just under 1 by 2 meters, the same size as a Western twin bed. A traditional shikibuton is also about the size of a Western twin bed.

Futon-like traditional European beds

Traditional European beds resembled Japanese-style futon sets, with thin tick mattresses. These were only sometimes set on a bedframe. The term "bed" did not originally include the bedframe, but only the bedding, the same components included in a Japanese futon set. : 674-5 vol1

What Is A Futon Bed

A futon bed is a piece of fold-and-slide furniture that originates from Japan. “Futon” refers to the system used in the bed and not the actual furniture.

How Does A Futon Bed Work

A futon bed works in a variety of ways, depending on the type and style of futon you use. Many futons use mechanisms like bolt and ladder hinges, moveable backrests, and even metal sliders.

Futon Design

There is a variety of sizes, styles, and colors offered in the market when it comes to a futon. With its mechanism and design though, there are three main elements always involved, including the frame, mattress, and frame cover.

Futon Styles

The traditional Japanese futon offers a minimalist style with a simple foldable mechanism and straw or horsehair mattress.

Futon Materials

There are also different materials used to build futons and when it comes to its frames there are two particular materials that come to mind – wood and metal.

How Much Do Futons Weigh

When considering the weight of futons, you would need to consider the materials they are made of. For frames, wooden frames are guaranteed to be heavier than futons with metal frames. In addition to that, if you see any wool, it is definitely heavier compared to foam and cotton.

How Long Is A Futon

Futons are offered in different sizes based on their frames and mattresses. They measure around 75 inches to 80 inches if you’re considering a full-size futon. The size would hugely depend though on the size of the mattress used and you can check out the following sizes in length:

Futon Mattresses - Back To Top

The Futon Shop manufactures Natural, Organic, and Eco-Friendly Futon Sofa Bed Mattresses and Organic Futons that are Non-Toxic and Chemical Free. Healthy natural sleep is most important to us.

Futon Frames - Back To Top

Our Futon Frame Collection includes a wide variety of options including Classic style Futon Frames, Wallhugger Futon Frames, Modern Sofa Sleepers, Outdoor Futons, and Futon Platform Beds.

Outdoor Futon Frames - Back To Top

As a California company we know how important it is to get regular time in the sun. In fact, you may even sleep better if you spend a little more time relaxing and having fun in natural sunlight. Research has shown that the benefits of natural sunlight improve and increase healthy sleep and mood.

Modern Futon Sofa Bed - Back To Top

Sofa Beds, Sofa Sleepers, Futon Couches what ever you call them be sure that all our sofa beds have no flame retardants whatsoever! From small twin chairs to king size we have everything that you need to turn a sofa into a guest bed

Bunk Bed Futons - Back To Top

Our futon bunk beds, and twin full and queen bunk beds are available in Low VOC finishes and made from solid hardwood. Choose from Java, Cherry, Oak, Maple or White. All bunk beds come with ladders for safety and convenience.

Futon Covers - Back To Top

We handcraft America's Largest Selection of Futon Slip Covers including, Outdoor Weather and Sun Proof Futon Slip Covers, Organic Cotton Futon Covers, Microfiber Suede and Textures Futon Covers, Modern Printed and Woven Slip Covers, Floral or Geometric Futon Slip Covers or Cotton Linen Blended Futon Covers.

Futon Accessories - Back To Top

Futon accessories, Organic Pillows, Accent Furniture, Futon Supplies, Tables, Drawers, Shoji Screens, and Lamps all at great prices! You may have come here for a futon, but take a second to explore all of our furniture options we have available!

Who This Is For

Futons are a great space-saving piece of furniture. But they are also just pretty cool as a multi-use product. And no longer do they only look like something you should relegate to the basement — a lumpy mattress on a solid wood frame. There are some high-quality, stylish futons out there that we included in our guide.

How We Picked

We picked the best futons for this guide by researching and using personal experience from previous shopping trips for futons and a sleeper sofa. Having lived in a variety of small spaces, I've known the stress of having to decide between a couch or a bed or needing a small enough sofa that doubles as a sofa bed.

Features To Look For In Futons

Size - First things first, you want to consider the size of a futon sofa before you make a purchase.

The Cosmopolitan Liberty Sectional Storage Sofa is the most comfortable futon

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Best Overall: CosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan Liberty Sectional Storage Futon

Size: 84 x 60.5 x 32.5 inches | Materials: Solid wood frame, velvet upholstery | Cushions: Polyester foam | Sleeper Size: Twin

Best Budget: Serta Rane Convertible Sofa

Size: 66.1 x 33.1 x 29.5 inches | Materials: Chrome and wood frame, polyester upholstery | Cushions: High-density foam | Sleeper Size: Twin

Best Bunk Bed: DHP Twin-Over-Futon Convertible Couch and Bed

Size: 78 x 54.5 x 72.5 inches | Materials: Metal frame | Cushions: Not listed | Sleeper Size: Twin

Best Japanese-Style: MaxYoyo Japanese Floor Futon Mattress

Size: 80 x 60 x 4 inches | Materials: Microfiber cotton cover, memory foam core | Cushions: Memory foam | Sleeper Size: Twin, full, queen, king

Best Chair: Gold Flamingo Teen Clarissa Pillow Back Futon Chair

Size: 32 x 36 x 32 inches | Materials: Solid wood frame, polyester upholstery | Cushions: Foam and polyester | Sleeper Size: Twin

Best Leather: Urban Outfitters Greta Recycled Sleeper

Size: 82 x 41.7 x 30.8 inches | Material: Recycled leather upholstery | Cushions: Foam | Sleeper Size: Full

On This Page

Futons aren't just for college students trying to cheaply furnish an apartment. Modern futons are ideal for anyone with limited space, and there are plenty of stylish options to choose from.

Our Top Picks

Who it's for: People who want a futon that looks like a regular sofa. Who it isn't for: People who prefer a softer mattress.

Final Verdict

The Novogratz Brittany Sofa Futon earned the top spot because it merges function with style at a good price. Its split-back design allows you to recline one or both cushions, or fully recline to create a bed, and the tufted cushions, curved armrests, and numerous color options make it feel like a much more expensive piece.

How to Shop for a Futon Like a Pro

The most important thing to consider when purchasing a futon is how you intend to use it. Because of their dual nature, futons may be used primarily for sleeping, lounging, or both.

Questions You Might Ask

A sleeper sofa has a thin, foldable mattress concealed in the frame that is separate from the cushions. To use it, you need to first remove the sofa cushions and then use the pull-out mechanism to unfold the mattress.

Take Our Word For It

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with nearly three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. To compile this list, she spent hours researching top-rated futons and reading customer reviewers.

Overview

Dimensions

History and materials

Western-style futons

Futon-like traditional European beds

See also