If you’re looking for a bedroom addition that’s also great for lounging, then a futon may be the answer. Futons offer an inviting place to relax without a complete bedroom set. Futons are comfortable sleeping surfaces, but they aren’t usually considered “comfortable” pieces of furniture. They’re a middle ground between a bed and a couch, making them a useful living room piece.
Futons have been used for many years to create a comfortable place to sleep. Many people find it a more comfortable mattress than a regular bed. Futons can make comfortable beds to a greater or lesser extent.
Table of Contents
What Makes Futons Comfortable
What is a futon?
A futon is a combination of a mattress that is comfortable for sleeping and a couch that can be used as a sofa or a bed. While sometimes referred to as a “Japanese Bed, “a futon is a fixture in modern American homes because of its portability, affordability, and multi-functionality.
Futons Make Good Beds, But Are They Comfortable?
Futons might be great for sleeping, but there is no guarantee that they will be comfortable. The type of futon and its stuffing can affect whether or not it will be comfortable. Some futons are stuffed with cotton, while others are made of foam.
Cotton is cooler and more comfortable, but it can tear. Foam is sturdier but can also feel stiffer and less soft. You want to find a futon that works well for your body type. For example, if you have a big stomach or a long torso, look for a futon with a higher elevation in the back.
How Comfortable Are Futons As Sofas?
Over the years, futons have become more than just mattresses. Futons now come with matching frames and sofas to comfortably use as sofas. They provide all the benefits of a traditional sofa or loveseat, including comfortable back support, a level seat with the ground, and arms for resting.
An aspect that varies between futon models is the armrest. Metal or wooden armrests typically accompany futons that convert into beds instead of padded armrests. Because regular sofas have more comfortable armrests, they are more comfortable than futons.
How to choose comfortable futons
Brand
You want to find a brand that has a reputation for quality. This way, you can have the assurance that the futon is of good quality and will last you a long time. Most times, if your futon is not tested and quality assured, it will either rip, tear, break, malfunction, or even cause injuries.
Price
The prices of futons vary significantly, depending on the materials and the level of comfort that comes with them. Brands with a good reputation will often have a higher price tag, but it’s worth it.
There are many reasons to avoid cheap futons; the most obvious is that they are uncomfortable. Low-quality futons are also usually costly. A mattress topper and pillows can make an uncomfortable futon more comfortable, but their costs will be more than investing in a better futon, to begin with.
Material
The most comfortable futons will be made of thick, high-quality foam. This is the only way to ensure that the futon will provide you with years of quality and comfort. The least comfortable materials include cotton and other low-quality synthetic fibers.
Firmness
You should choose a firm futon, as this will offer you the best support. However, they need not be so firm that they are hard to sleep on, so you can find one that is just right for you.
Design
The design of the futon is crucial to its comfort. A futon can be uncomfortable sleeping and sitting on because of the metal and wooden parts that make up its hardware. An excellent futon provides the same comfort level as a regular sofa or bed. A futon’s ability to convert or unfold will influence the degree to which it is comfortable sitting or lying.
Tips For Making Your Futon More Comfortable to Sleep On
Support the Futon Mattress with Slats
You can significantly improve comfort by adjusting the bed from underneath. You can ease a sagging bed by adding more slats to the mattress. If you need more slats to provide stable support, you can purchase some 1×4 lumber and drill them alongside the existing beams.
Invest in a Mattress Topper
Adding a quality mattress topper can significantly improve the comfort of a regular mattress. Use mattress toppers for your futon in a similar fashion. Memory foam, latex, and wool are the most commonly used toppers.
Mattress toppers are layered inside the futon cover or placed on the mattress and covered with a fitted sheet. When your futon is converted to couch mode, you can store it away.
Bring in Comforters
Choose between choosing a down comforter’s lightness or choosing down alternative comforters to minimize allergy risk for overnight guests by adding a comforter layer to your futon’s mattress. This method has the additional benefit of allowing the extra padding to be customized to each guest’s preferences if two people share the futon bed.
Install an Air Mattress
It’s tough to sit down on futon beds since they are often only about a foot off the ground. Place an air mattress on top of the opened-up futon for added comfort. This combination enhances comfort and support and adds height. You should find an air mattress that fits your futon perfectly, so you can easily inflate and deflate it.
Top the Futon Mattress with a Featherbed
Featherbeds are mattress toppers filled with feathers that can be used as a pressure-relieving technique. Unlike down comforters, sleep on top of it. Those who sleep on their sides will find a featherbed advantageous because it is designed to relieve pressure on pressure points like shoulders, hips, and the back.
Futons are famous for not being exceptionally comfortable or durable, but that all depends on what type of futon you buy. High-quality futons can be incredibly comfortable, and they’re not as expensive as you might think. There are many ways to make a futon more comfortable. One can add slats or use an inflatable pad or air mattress.