An affordable and practical option, futons are great for the college kid just starting out, or for those wanting a convertible sofa for guests.

Futons also tend to be a firm bed and sleeping on the floor is favoured in many cultures, particularly Japan, and is considered good for the back.

Choosing the futon mattress that is right for you will depend on personal preference as well as how you will be using the bed. They come in a range of styles and sizes and can be used on a frame or, as in the Japanese tradition, directly on the floor.

In terms of common features, generally speaking, futon mattresses can usually be folded when the frame is set up as a sofa and are considered lighter and more portable than a regular mattress and are often more affordable. They are also often two-sided and can be flipped, when necessary.

Tip: The Best Futon Mattresses At A Glance

We’ve done the research to come up with 5 top rated futon mattresses that present a range of styles and a variety of features, giving something for everyone.

DHP 8 Inch Independently Encased Coil Futon Mattress

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Easily the top-rated futon mattress on the market, the DHP 8 Inch Independently Encased Coil Futon Mattress gives the feel of a regular mattress, with its 522 individually wrapped coils.

On either side of the coils are layers of polyester and foam that is CertiPUR-US certified and safe from any harmful emissions or dangerous flame retardants.

With its 8 inches of height, this bed isn’t as high as a regular bed, but still has that supportive real mattress feel, while also working great as a sofa.

The tufted top has a microfiber mattress cover and it comes in a full size, rather than queen, meaning that it fits any full-size futon frame. Customers are saying this mattress is easy to clean and comes in a range of colours.

Described as firm by many users, it doesn’t have any sinking feel to it and the pocket coils are supportive and resistant but not at all “too hard.”

Heavier customers are reporting that this mattress is “dense” but that they can’t feel the coils, through the bed, at all.

Pro-Tip: Check out our mattress recommendations for heavier individuals here.

Customers are also reporting that this mattress holds its shape over time and doesn’t sag. A bit heavy to move around, this bed is just under 60 pounds but comes tightly packed and ships easily.

It has a slight off gassing smell that dissipates, over the course of a few days and has a one-year warranty.

You Might Want to Pick the DHP 8 Inch Independently Encased Coil Futon Mattress If:

  • You want a firm mattress: This bed is described as “dense” and has supportive, individually wrapped coils between layers of foam. Not at all hard, but this bed has no “sinking in” feel.
  • You like the feel of an innerspring mattress: If the idea of an all foam mattress turns you off, this mattress is a great option as the highest rated innerspring futon mattress on the market.
  • You want a full-size futon: For those who are looking for a futon mattress that fits on a full frame, rather than a queen size, this is a good option. While it might not be ideal for two people, since its smaller than a queen, this mattress is considered a “double” and can fit two guests.

Otis Bed Moonshadow 8 Inch Foam Futon Mattress

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Another highly rated option, the Otis Bed Moonshadow 8 Inch is the best seller from the Otis Bed line of mattresses and is great for those looking for an all foam mattress with no springs. Considered “plush”, this mattress is described as cushy, but supportive and like the previous DHP mattress, is 8 inches in height.

The mattress is actually constructed with 14 inches of foam, packed into an 8-inch cover, providing heightened density and support. The cover is made with 7.5 ounces of twill fabric that is designed to be strong enough to hold the pressure from packing this much foam into an 8-inch height.

The middle section of the mattress is made from corrugated, egg carton style, high density foam and the outer layers are the same foam but flat, totalling 10 inches.

Otis Bed futon mattresses are meant to be durable and come with a rare 10-year warranty. They receive rave reviews from customers, some of them who find the Moonshadow to be the most comfortable futon bed they have ever slept on.

While not as cheap as some of the other competitive mattresses, the Moonshadow is a higher density than some of the others because of its compressed design.

Another unique feature is its boxed edging which makes for a more mattress like look and feel, and it also provides an accurate measurement of thickness with no sloped edges.

For those using the mattress as a bed, customers are reporting that this bed provides plenty of support, is durable and relieves back pain. No sign of lumps or bumps, this mattress keeps its shape over time and even after years of use, holds the same quality.

You Might Want to Pick the Otis Bed Moonshadow 8 Inch Futon Mattress If:

  • You want a high density, compressed mattress: Because the Moonshadow mattress has 14 inches of high density foam, packed into an 8-inch cover, you are getting a supportive, high density mattress that won’t flatten or lose its shape over time and gives a firm feel.
  • You want a long warranty: Unlike many other futon mattresses on the market that only offer one year warranties, the Otis mattress is protected by a lengthy, 10-year warranty.
  • You want boxed edges: Many futon mattresses are made with a two-sided cover, meaning you may eventually experience sloping and a change of shape, over time. The Otis Bed Moonshadow futon mattress is box-edged, meaning it looks more like a real mattress, has more edge support and a nicer finish when being used as a sofa.

Serta Cypress Double Sided Innerspring Queen Futon Mattress

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A well-recognized name in the mattress world, you may be surprised to learn that Serta also makes a futon mattress.

The Serta Cypress Double Sided Innerspring Queen Futon Mattress is a great option for those who like the feel of an innerspring mattress, but want to use a futon frame.

As well, since the bed is backed by the reliable Serta mattress brand name, it is a good option for customers who are previously familiar with the brand and don’t want to take the risk on an unknown company.

Like the previous mattress, the Serta Cypress is 8 inches high and has boxed edging, for a mattress-like look and feel. However, unlike the previous two beds, this mattress is built with innerspring construction and surrounded by foam layers on either side, making it double sided.

If you like the bounce and support of innerspring, you’ll enjoy the the four-inch-high springs at the centre of this mattress, which is surrounded by two, one inch layers of foam and another inch of Serta’s Cottonique cotton/polyester batting beneath the cover.

However, if you are concerned about motion transfer and share your bed with another person, innerspring might not be the best choice.

Machine lace tufting further adds to this bed’s regular mattress like look and customers are reporting that it does indeed feel just like a regular bed, with a lower profile and it works great on a futon frame, at its true to queen size.

A bit heavier than other futon mattresses, this bed is just under 120 pounds so if you are looking for a lightweight futon bed, this might not be the one for you.

While this mattress does come compressed when shipped, some customers report that it’s a bit tricky to fold up into a sofa and this may be due to the innerspring construction, but other customers said that it just needs a bit of breaking in and then it works okay.

Great for college dorms and guest rooms, reviewers are pleased with its low price and good value. Unlike other beds containing foam, many users report that this bed has no off-gassing smell and its thick, durable, canvas cover seems like it will last a long time.

You Might Like the Serta Cypress Double Sided Innerspring Queen Futon Mattress If:

  • You like an innerspring mattress feel: There aren’t many futon mattresses that contain springs and not everyone likes the feel of all foam construction. If you are looking for a highly rated innerspring mattress, this might be the one for you.
  • You want are a solo sleeper: Because some mattresses with innersprings have a bit of bounce, this might not be a great option for lighter sleepers or those who toss and turn. If you are a solo sleeper that likes a firm, innerspring bed, this is a good choice.
  • You like the familiarity of the Serta brand name: Serta is a well-known mattress name brand with a long history. If you are cautious about buying a futon mattress from an unfamiliar brand, this bed is a great value for a famous name brand.

Home Life 8-Inch Independently-Encased Coil Premium Futon

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Another highly rated innerspring mattress, at the same height as the Serta, but at half the weight, is the Home Life 8 inch Independently-Encased Coil Premium Futon.

While slightly smaller than a queen-sized bed, this futon mattress is a great option for those looking for a full sized, innerspring futon mattress with a real mattress feel.

This bed is otherwise quite similar to the Serta Cypress mattress and has individually pocketed coils in between of two foam and polyester layers, wrapped in a durable, easy to clean, tufted, microfibre cover. And like the Serta, and possibly due to the springs, a few people do find this mattress a challenge to fold into a sofa, but most are satisfied with this.

This mattress comes in at a great value and nearly perfect ratings with several customers reporting that they’ve used it for years with no problems and others saying that it is a great, firm mattress, perfect for dorm rooms, visiting guests or just those who like a firm, innerspring bed.

Double sided, it can be flipped to prevent any changing in shape and many reviewers are happy to report it feels very thick and supportive and is a great replacement for the cheap, thin futon mattresses that come with some of the frames.

You Might Want to Pick the Home Life 8-Inch Independently-Encased Coil Premium Futon If:

  • You are on a budget: It’s hard to beat the price of this futon mattress given its level of customer satisfaction. If you are a student, on a budget or just want a cheap guest bed, this is the one for you.
  • You like an innerspring feel: Like the Serta Cypress bed, this mattress is great for those who aren’t fans of all foam beds and who like the supportive feeling of its individually pocketed, innerspring coils.
  • You like a lightweight bed: For a double sided, innerspring bed, this mattress is surprisingly light at 60 pounds, making it almost half the weight of the Serta bed. If you have to move the bed frequently or if you are going to be converting back and forth from a bed to a sofa, this might be a good choice for you.

EMOOR Japanese Traditional Futon Mattress

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nd now for something completely different, the EMOOR Japanese Traditional Futon Mattress is a great pick for those looking for a traditional Japanese style bed, without a futon frame.

Centuries of Japanese sleep experience can’t be wrong and many people with back problems find sleeping on the floor works best for them. With a Japanese style futon, you can sleep directly on the floor with a mattress that folds up easy for storage.

Made in Japan, the EMOOR mattress is very low profile at just over 3 inches and super lightweight at only 15 pounds. However, don’t be fooled by its thinness. This type of bed is extremely popular in Asia and even when used on a hard, wooden floor is comfortable.

The high density polyester stuffing is covered in a cotton outer material and offers cushioning and padding for those who like an extra firm feel.

Customers who have had problems with their backs, sleeping on regular, western style mattresses have found success sleeping on traditional futons and this mattress is getting plenty of five star reviews from people who report that this bed has them sleeping like a baby with all back and hip pain virtually disappearing.

Definitely one of the firmest futon mattresses on the market, due to its style and low profile, this mattress might not be the greatest option for heavier customers or those who like a soft, plush bed feel.

But for those willing to try something different and for those who like sleeping directly on the floor or on an extra firm bed, this futon mattress has nearly perfect feedback and stores away nicely for guest use.

You Might Want to Pick the EMOOR Japanese Traditional Futon Mattress If:

  • You want a traditional Japanese feel: Traditional Japanese mattresses are meant to be used directly on the floor so this mattress is not made for a frame or supposed to be used as a sofa. Specifically for those who like sleeping on the floor or for those who want to try something new, this bed is a popular and comfortable pick.
  • You have to put away your bed, daily: This mattress is super lightweight and folds up for storage quickly and easily to fit in a closet. Great for house guests or those with limited space.
  • You like an extra firm bed: Because the polyester stuffing in this futon mattress is high density, it provides adequate cushioning for most people’s hips and shoulders, while still remaining extra firm and low profile. If extra firm is your thing due to back problems and you don’t like springs or lots of cushioning, this could be a good fit for you.

Final Verdict

DHP 8 Inch Independently Encased Coil Futon Mattress, Red Microfiber
Fits any standard full-size futon frame (sold separately).

Last update on 2024-04-14 at 03:18  - More InfoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product." / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Like many other mattresses, when choosing a futon mattress, it really comes down to your individual needs and requirements. Assess your needs and look at what you will be using the mattress for, how often you’ll be needing to move it, or fold it back and forth between a mattress and sofa.

Size and weight are also important issues to consider as futon mattresses tend to vary greatly and not all offer true to queen sizing.

Determine how much you can spend and how important warranty is for you as some of these beds offer little to nothing in the way of warranty. In the end, any of these options are a great choice and the top of their kind.

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