Turn Me Futon: The 9 Best Futon Mattresses

They may have the reputation of only being fit for a college dorm room or a basement, but futons prove to be an underrated part of the furniture catalog. The best futon mattresses have you covered, whether you need to whip up a sleeping space in a pinch, or you just want a comfortable, functional piece for your hangout spot.

Our recommendations can help you pick the best futon mattress for your sitch.

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Here are the boxes all the futon mattresses had to check to land on our best of list:

• No quackery. Mattress manufacturers can’t claim they will prevent, treat, or cure any illness. Just a comfy night’s sleep, please.
• No shady business. We avoid companies that have been found guilty in business-related lawsuits in the last 3 years.
• All good with the BBB. No F or D ratings from the Better Business Bureau.
• Keeping it real. The best mattresses are certified safe by a third party and are transparent about where they are made and what materials are used. We always appreciate a trial period and warranty, too.

From dorm rooms to gamer dens, futons are a favorite for lots of reasons. That’s why we made sure to include a wide range of options for every style and scenario.

1. Best overall futon mattress

Classic Brands 8-inch Futon Mattress

Price: $$
Thickness: 8 inches

This medium-firm mattress has individually encased innersprings covered in a layer of foam. It has a removable, washable cover so you can freshen it up before guests visit (or after spilling some vino…)

It has a boxy shape for a tailored look and comes in classic black or brown. Classic Brands also offers a 1-year warranty, so if you don’t love it, you can send it back!

2. Best for futon mattress for everyday snoozing

Otis Bed Moonshadow Futon Mattress

Price: $$$
Thickness: 8 inches

If your futon is your main bed, this is the mattress you want. It’s plush, overstuffed with foam and cushy batting, and has boxy edges for a more mattress-y look than our other top picks.

Otis Bed futon mattresses are made in the United States and come with a 10-year warranty, so be confident you can sleep on this cushion for the long haul.

3. Best memory foam futon mattress

Mozaic 6-inch Futon Mattress

Price: $$
Thickness: 6 inches

This cushy futon mattress comes with a cotton cover to give you the cool comfort of natural fibers. It’s filled with layers of memory foam surrounded by batting for a soft but supportive touch. The Mozaic futon mattress is also made in the United States, reversible for durability, and comes in 10 colors.

4. Best low profile futon mattress

Blazing Needles Futon Mattress

Price: $
Thickness: 5 inches

Looking for a futon mattress that isn’t afraid to get low? At only 5 inches, this is one of the more streamlined cushions out there. It’s also medium-firm (which is good for your back) and comes in 13 colors, so you can show some personality while you lounge.

5. Best Japanese-style futon mattress

EMOOR Shikifuton Futon Mattress

Price: $$
Thickness: 3 inches

If you want a truly minimal futon experience, sleep Japanese style with this thin mat on the floor. Crafted in Japan, it’s made of a firm polyester pad surrounded by fluffy filling and a cotton cover. You can also use it as a top layer over a traditional mattress.

6. Best extra-thick futon mattress

Nirvana Premium 10-inch Futon Mattress

Price: $$$
Thickness: 10 inches

Thicker futon mattresses, like the Nirvana Premium, tend to be less than ideal when you’re trying to fold them up to the sofa position, but they make up for it by providing extra support for a sounder sleep.

This one offers medium support and comes with a 3-year warranty. It’s made in the United States out of foam and poly cotton fill.

7. Best innerspring futon mattress

DHP 8-inch Futon Mattress

Price: $$
Thickness: 8 inches

Remember when all mattresses were made of a layer of bouncy springs that squished to conform to your body? Boing! This futon mattress is full of individually encased coils covered by a foam layer for a plush sleeping experience. You can choose from six colors.

8. Best futon mattress for kids

Maxyoyo Futon Mattress

Price: $
Thickness: 4 inches

Flamingos, flowers, and foxes, oh my! If your priority is fashioning a futon with personality, Maxyoyo has the most print options. These are great floor mats for kids (with dino and car styles), and they come with straps and a storage bag for easy travel.

9. Best frameless futon mattress

Milliard Tri-fold Mattress

Price: $$
Thickness: 4.5 inches

This is the multitool of floor cushions. It folds up into a little sofa, it folds out into a bed — no frame needed! You can take it glamping or stow it in the playroom for sleepovers.

One person on Amazon called it a “thick ass yoga mat”… which might be exactly what you’re looking for. The removable washable cover means it will stay cute, no matter what.

Still on the fence about the futon life? Here are some questions that tend to pop up most often and our crack at clearing them up.

How is a futon mattress different from a regular mattress?

Originally, the word futon referred to a thin Japanese sleeping pad. Today, futon can refer to a more traditional Japanese style mattress or a hybrid cushion/mattress used on a convertible futon frame. A typical sleeping mattress is more firm and boxy, while futons are lighter, more portable, and versatile.

What are futons usually made of?

The filling of a futon mattress can be a combo of many materials including latex, memory foam, gel foam, cotton, wool, coconut or hemp fibers, horsehair, camel hair, and cashmere. Covers vary from sturdy canvas to plush velour.

Can a futon be my everyday mattress?

Absolutely. It may take time to adjust to the different feel of a futon mattress versus a bed mattress. If you do sleep on a futon every night, it’s important to flip, rotate, and air it out frequently. (Give it a good sunbath!)

Do I need a futon frame?

A futon mattress can be used on the floor (or on a tatami mat) and rolled for storage during the day time. If it is your main bed, you can use a futon mattress on a platform bed base. A convertible futon frame is best if you plan to use it for sleeping and seating.

How do I clean and care for my futon mattress?

Always follow manufacturer recommendations! Some covers are spot clean only, but some can be removed to run through the washer. Japanese futons are typically hung up to air out frequently since moisture can set in and lead to major funk.

When selecting the right futon, standards will differ depending on exactly how you plan to use it.

If you’re sleeping on your futon pretty often, comfort is probably a priority. Thickness, quality, and materials can all contribute to how comfortable a futon is and how well you will sleep on it.

For example, according to one small study, mattresses made out of latex are better at relieving pressure points than polyurethane mattresses.

There are a few other key things to consider when choosing your future futon, including:

• Price. You can see our top picks range from under $150 to upward of $200. Futon mattresses are typically priced lower than bigger innerspring or foam bed mattresses. When setting your budget, consider how much use your futon will get, quality of materials, and how long you want it to last. For a traditional Japanese futon made of all natural materials and expected to last years, you could pay close to $1000 or more.
• Comfort. Features like thickness and fill material can impact comfort. Also, consider the frame your futon sits on. A well made frame will be more comfortable and supportive than one with lumpy slats or bars digging into your back.
• Use. Do you have frequent house guests bunking on your futon? Blow their minds by getting the best quality you can afford. For occasionally chilling with friends for a game night, something basic may fit the bill.
• Materials. You can find futon mattresses with all organic materials — cotton, wool, latex, cashmere, silk, and some are made from memory foam or a mix of poly fiber with polyester covers. Man-made materials may be less expensive and easier to care for, but you will find a more luxurious product in natural materials. Some futon mattresses even have innersprings, giving you a more traditional mattress feel.
• Manufacturing standards. Look for OEKO-TEX certification in any bedding product to verify the safety of materials used. Organic materials (like cotton) may also be certified by the USDA or other agencies.
• Thickness. A thicker futon may be more comfortable, but it will also be heavier and take up more space. If portability or storage are a priority, choose a thinner option.
• Style. Do you want a tailored, boxy mattress to make your futon look more like a posh couch? Or would you prefer a streamlined Japanese style that looks chic on your woven floor mat? You also have endless cover options to consider, from no-nonsense solids to beautiful patterns.

Whether you’re lounging, sleeping, entertaining, or building a blanket fort, futons are the unsung hero of multipurpose furnishings. Once you know what you’re looking for, one of our top picks above should meet your futon needs without getting too spendy.