Futon Mattresses
- How do I clean and care for a futon mattress?
- Do I need a cover for my futon mattress?
- What are futon mattresses made of?
- The mattress I’ve received is shorter/narrower than I had ordered. Why is that?
- How can I prevent a futon mattress from sliding?
- What is the difference between Gold Bond and Otis Bed futon mattresses?
- A word on all-cotton mattresses
- Can I use an all-cotton futon mattress on a platform bed?
How do I clean and care for a futon mattress?
Futons are perfect for both sitting and sleeping. The constant use can lead to a dirty futon, so it is important to regularly clean it to keep it looking like new. Here are some tips on how to take care of your futon mattress.
Stains and Moisture
Start by getting a replaceable futon cover for your futon mattress. This will keep most of the dust and moisture from getting to the mattress. A removable cover is an affordable solution to keep your mattress dry and odor-free. The covers are washable and can be easily replaced.
Spot Cleaning
Mattress casing is not meant to be washed, whether or not it is tufted on. For spot cleaning, you can use a damp sponge or a washcloth, warm water, and a mild soap solution. Do not over-saturate and air it with a hair blower. You can also vacuum the mattress to ensure it is dust-free while also circulating air through your futon.
Airing Out
Air your futon whenever possible. Natural fibers love the sunlight. Hang your futon mattress for a few hours outdoors during a time of day when the air is relatively dry. This will kill any possible fungus or mold and prolong the life of your mattress. The fresh air also keeps it from smelling stale and allows its natural crimp and loft to return. You can also use a beater (similar to the one you would use on a carpet) to beat out the dust while at it.
Surface
The futon mattress fibers need air circulation, so it shouldn’t be used on a solid surface like the floor or plywood board. Most futon frames use horizontal or vertical slats to allow proper air circulation, slow down the mattress compression, and avoid moisture buildup. The slats, where your futon mattress will be resting, offer the best support if they’re about 2.5 to 3 inches wide and an equal distance apart. Remember that the padding will be resting on the slats. You don’t want the mattress to sag so the space between the slats shouldn’t be too wide.
Breaking In
Most futon mattresses are shipped pre-compressed in plastic or cardboard packaging. Once opened, it will break in within 48 hours after you take it out of the shipping box. Flipping and rotating your mattress frequently and sleeping on all parts of your mattress including the center will help avoid uneven humps or lumps. Rotating your futon mattress will keep it from developing sink spots and give it a longer life. When you first purchase your futon, rotate the mattress regularly during the first 30 days to ensure optimal weight distribution.
Do I need a cover for my futon mattress?
Yes, you do. Investing in a futon mattress cover is a wise decision that brings numerous benefits. From protecting your mattress against wear and tear to providing easy maintenance, enhanced comfort, and a touch of style, a cover is a valuable accessory for any futon owner. Whether you use your futon for sleeping, seating, or both, a futon cover ensures that your investment remains in excellent condition while adding a personal touch to your living space.
Protection against Wear and Tear
A futon cover acts as a protective barrier, shielding your futon mattress from everyday wear and tear. It helps prevent stains, spills, dirt, and dust from penetrating the mattress fabric, ensuring its longevity and preserving its original condition. With a cover in place, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your futon mattress is well-protected against accidental spills or mishaps.
Easy Maintenance and Hygiene
Futon mattress covers are designed to be removable and machine washable, making maintenance a breeze. Regular washing of the cover helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene, as it removes dust mites, allergens, and odors that can accumulate over time. By keeping your futon mattress cover clean, you create a healthier sleeping or seating environment for yourself and your guests.
Enhanced Comfort and Softness
A quality futon mattress cover can enhance the comfort and softness of your sleeping or seating surface. Many covers are made with soft and breathable materials, adding an extra layer of cushioning to the mattress. If your futon mattress feels too firm or lacks the desired level of comfort, a well-padded cover can provide additional support and make your experience more enjoyable.
Aesthetics and Style
Beyond protection and comfort, a futon mattress cover allows you to personalize the look and style of your futon. With a wide range of colors, patterns, and fabrics available, you can easily find a cover that complements your existing decor and reflects your personal taste. Whether you prefer a vibrant and eye-catching design or a subtle and elegant look, a futon cover can transform your futon into a stylish centerpiece in your living space.
Versatility and Adaptability
Futon mattress covers offer versatility and adaptability, allowing you to change the look of your futon as often as you like. If you want to update the aesthetic of your room or match the futon to a new color scheme, simply swap out the cover. This flexibility makes futon covers an economical choice, as you can refresh the appearance of your furniture without needing to replace the entire mattress.
What are futon mattresses made of?
Choosing the right futon mattress is easy once you understand how the filling materials cause the mattress to react differently to the weight of the human body and other criteria. The following graph should help you determine which futon mattress will perform best for your personal needs and application.
Please use this guide wisely. It is meant to help you understand how the product will perform, not judge its quality or value.
Consider how often someone will sleep on the futon. If you plan to only occasionally use it as a bed, perhaps as a guest bed, consider getting a less expensive futon mattress, such as a cotton-filled one. If you plan on using it nightly, you should splurge on a high-quality mattress.
Cotton, Foam, and Fiber
Basic futon mattresses are made of mostly cotton. A layer of foam is sometimes added to sustain the rigidity of the futon. Usually, the more cotton the mattress contains, the heavier and firmer it becomes. Cotton gets compressed over time and becomes hard and lumpy. This requires flipping and patting to break up the cotton fibers that have become hard and compacted over use. The more foam used, the better. The category of futons tends to be the most economical in price. The more foam that is added, the better the futon. When a layer of wool is encased over the cotton, it increases the comfort level and helps retain the shape of the mattress. The wool over cotton keeps your body cooler in the summer and warm in the winter and provides a springier feel for sitting and sleeping.
Innersprings and Pocket Coils
Futons have advanced quite a bit in comfort. Innerspring futons provide that conventional mattress feel and keep that added space between your body and the slats. The Pocket Coil mattress has individually wrapped coils which prevent motion transfer and increase the longevity of the coil to retain its shape. Unlike cheaper innerspring conventional mattresses, this type of futon has an encased perimeter so it will hold its shape better while using it as a sofa. Innerspring futons are recommended for those active singles and couples. Our Galaxy mattress by Otis has a firmer feel and a little less bounce than our Pocketed Coil by King Koil. The Galaxy and Millenium futon mattresses use high-density layers of foam encasing these coils. These premium futon mattresses have a life span of 10-plus years.
Memory Foam
Visco memory foam is polyurethane with additional chemicals increasing its viscosity and density. It was developed in 1966 under a contract by NASA’s Ames Research Center to improve the safety of aircraft cushions. Futons that use Visco foam usually contain anywhere from 1-4 inches layers of Visco memory foam over multiple layers of high-density foam and a cotton/polyester batting underneath for added support. With memory foam, the futon mattress tucks snugly on the frame and makes it easier for it to bend when opening and closing the frame. This category of futon mattresses is perfect for every day sitting. It feels like sitting on a normal sofa and the cushion keeps its shape without leaving any body imprints. This can also be used for everyday sleeping. It’s like having a memory foam topper but already constructed within the futon mattress. Some people are not big fans of memory foam for sleeping, but it is highly recommended for everyday use as a sofa and provides superior comfort for your occasional guest.
Latex
Latex has become the current “hot” product, though, is that it is a uniquely comfortable sleep surface. Latex is both a very dense surface, but also because of its elastic properties, still has a yielding, giving, and conforming quality. So for those that just haven’t been able to get a good night’s sleep or have unrelieved pain issues, a latex mattress is a top-of-the-line alternative that has a very different feel, offers unparalleled comfort and support, and may well do the trick. Cotton mattresses, much like futon mattresses, pack down over time and get much firmer, and while wool makes a very nice comfort layer, you still need a good mattress “core” or base, to layer the wool on top of.
Foam and Polyester
Foam futon mattresses do not use a cotton encasement but rather polyester. Polyester is lighter in weight and is a synthetic material that provides a plush surface and helps retain the shape of the futon. These futons are manufactured in the USA and are considered the best of futon mattresses. They simply don’t bottom out. The following mattresses are priced based on the number of layers of foam used. The more layers in the mattress, the better it’s comfort. The Haley 110 is highly recommended for those who want a real firm/soft sofa-like feel for sitting and a firm and supportive feel for sleeping. These futons are built to last over 10 years and provide the most superior level of back support and comfort. Because cotton is not used, the high-density foam has a little bounce to it a more cushioned feel. The Moonshadow is made similar to the Haley 110 but has more of a plush feel for those who like it just a bit softer. These futons are also recommended for platform beds and can also withstand the weight people of 200 lbs and up without bottoming out over long-term use.
The mattress I’ve received is shorter/narrower than I had ordered. Why is that?
Due to the size restrictions of our shipping methods, your futon may have been rolled, tied, and wrapped in plain brown craft paper or carton for shipment to you. Because of this, your futon may appear to be a bit shorter and/or narrower than what you have ordered.
This is normal and it will relax and “grow” in length and width, once it has laid flat and has been used for a day or two (the bigger ones may take a bit longer because they’ve been “squished” more). You can put the mattress on the frame right away. Open the mattress and leave it in a sofa position for a few days, that will help to break it in the middle. The mattress should open up to about 90% of its size within a few minutes and will stretch to its original size within the next 48 hours.
Remember to flip and turn it regularly. The first month or so, every week is good, and after that, once a month is fine, or as needed. Spot-wash as needed and if possible a day in the sunshine now and then will work wonders for “sun-bleaching” and refreshing your futon/top mattress/cushion.
How can I prevent a futon mattress from sliding?
Futon mattresses can slide, causing frustration, but there are several solutions available. Non-Slip Futon Grip Pads and Strips provide a durable, easy-to-install fix for a sliding futon mattress.
Traditional Non-Slip Futon Grip Pads use rubber material to create friction and prevent slippage. Another option, Futon Grip Strips, features a dual-layer design with one side adhering to the frame and the other made of foam for added stability. The newest solution, Futon No-Slip Strips by Futonland, offers a superior grip with urethane ester-based foam and double-coated rubber adhesive, customizable for any futon frame.
What is the difference between Gold Bond and Otis Bed futon mattresses?
Our signature futon sets include a selection of futon mattress options, primarily offered by Gold Bond and Otis Bed. One significant distinction between the mattresses lies in their composition.
Otis mattresses exclusively utilize foam and are wrapped with densified polyester fibers, while cotton is not employed. This unique construction gives Otis mattresses a remarkable consistency in terms of comfort level.
On the other hand, Gold Bond incorporates cotton in their mattresses, which means that over time, the cotton can become compressed and result in increased firmness.
Check out our comparison chart to find a perfect fit for your needs and see our recommendations.
A word on all-cotton mattresses
While 100% cotton futon mattresses may appear highly appealing due to their natural composition and other enticing qualities, it is imperative that you properly educate yourself regarding their suitability.
We do not recommend using these mattresses on slatted platform beds unless you also acquire a tatami mat or coir rug or intend to use them directly on the floor. The primary reason for this recommendation is that all-cotton futon mattresses lack a firm core or any form of structural support to prevent them from sinking between the slats. Another significant factor to consider is that all-cotton futon mattresses initially offer a plush feel due to the airy nature of cotton, but they tend to compress quickly with regular use. For instance, a 6″ cotton mattress can shrink to just 4″ within a few months of daily use, especially for an average-sized person.
It’s worth noting that this situation differs significantly from all-cotton mattresses made by White Lotus Home. White Lotus crafts their mattresses by hand, incorporating many more layers of cotton to create these mattresses with nearly three times the amount of cotton used. Consequently, White Lotus mattresses tend to be firmer and heavier, offering a different sleeping experience compared to other all-cotton futon mattresses.
It is essential that you are aware of these characteristics to make informed decisions about your purchase and ensure you have the best possible experience with our products.
Can I use an all-cotton futon mattress on a platform bed?
If your bed has a slatted base, you should avoid using an all-cotton futon mattress directly on it. All-cotton mattresses don’t have a firmer core like foam that would prevent them from sinking between the slats.
We suggest using a coir bed rug for best results. A bunkie board or a sheet of plywood would also provide the necessary support to the mattress, however, neither of the options promotes air circulation to the mattress.
