Is it difficult to make the most out of a small bedroom while having a large bed? Well, not if you choose a futon.

These amazing beds can be rolled up and kept away when not in use, making them a perfect piece of furniture in small bedrooms, flats and studio apartments. Additionally, a futon can transform any living space into a bedroom. All you need to do is pull out the futon from the cupboard, lay it out, and you are good to go!

If you have recently moved into a small apartment, going with a futon would be a great decision. However, with tons of options on the market, choosing a futon mattress that would work best for you might seem challenging. 

That’s why we have handpicked and ruthlessly reviewed the five best futon mattresses currently available on the Australian market to help you make an informed purchase.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Top 5 Futon Mattresses Reviews

1. Yoshoot Black Japanese Shiki Futon

YOSHOOT is a leading manufacturer of top-quality mattresses in Australia, so it should be no surprise that this Japanese Shiki Futon from the brand is among our top recommendations. Featuring microfibre cotton and memory foam, it can offer great support and a little sinkage to help you sleep better. The quilted craftsmanship ensures uniform weight distribution without dips and lumps. 

Additionally, it measures 54” x 80”, which means it can easily fit two people, making it an ideal choice for couples. We also liked the multifunctionality of this product; you can turn it into a low-sitting chair, yoga mat or a mattress topper for the RV bed as per your requirements. Lastly, it comes with a convenient carrying bag, allowing easy transportation.      

Drawback

It is slightly expensive, so it might not be ideal for those on a modest budget.

Verdict

The key highlight of this exceptional mattress is its comfortable microfibre cotton and memory foam construction that allow users to sleep better. Understandably, it is one of the best futon mattresses on the market.

2. Maxyoyo Japanese Futon Mattress

Founded in 2016, MAXYOYO has been dedicated to manufacturing affordable and high-quality floor mattresses, and this Japanese futon is yet another notable addition to its repertoire. It contains a 5 cm thick layer of top-grade memory foam and a 6 cm thick polyester filling to offer you top-notch support and comfort when you are sleeping. 

Other than that, you get a dustproof cover, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning the mattress every now and then. The cover can also improve the longevity and durability of the mattress, allowing you to use it for years to come. Last but not least, it sports an affordable price tag, which makes it an ideal choice for first-timers.     

Drawback

It may not be perfect for people who are morbidly obese or have disabilities.

Verdict

This product is highly versatile, which means it can be used as a sleeping floor mat, a living room futon, a bed mat and many more.

3. Masvis Japanese Futon Mattress

The next item on our list is another great futon mattress from the house of MASVIS. It is filled with 3D&7D spiral fibre, which makes it super fluffy and enables it to provide the desired comfort. What’s more, it adopts a streamlined pattern style and wavy quilting to keep the fill from shifting and allow you to sleep peacefully.

It is available across three variants: queen size, full size and twin size, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs. Beyond that, you will be pleased to know that the manufacturer has backed this product with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with its performance after using it for 30 days, you can return it for a full refund.   

Drawback

It is not as thick as we expected it to be.

Verdict

We must single out the high-quality fabric as the best part of this mattress because it features spray-bonded cotton for a top-notch thermal insulation effect. So, you can put it on the floor and lie on it without feeling cold.

4. Jearey Japanese Futon Mattress

As far as this futon mattress from JEARY is concerned, it is also filled with 7D spiral fibre like our previous pick. So, you can rest assured that it will provide enough comfort to help you sleep better. It is available in five colours and across three sizes, letting you choose a unit that would work best for you.

We also liked that it comes with a quality dustproof cover, so you don’t need to clean the mattress every other week. It can be used in various places, including lawns, RVs and living rooms, since it can be folded. Speaking of which, let us tell you that it weighs just a little over 5 pounds, so you should have no problem carrying it from one place to another.      

Drawback

It is quite expensive, though the quality makes up for the high cost.

Verdict

Overall, this product is a hit since it is highly versatile, easy to maintain, and portable. Not to forget, you get a variety of attractive colour options to choose from.

5. Maxyoyo Moon and Star Futon Mattress

Since MAXYOYO is such a well-known brand when it comes to mattresses, we thought it would make sense to add another one of its products to our list. This futon mattress boasts high-quality quilted craftsmanship of polyester and memory foam. While the former helps provide excellent support, the latter offers an enjoyable sleeping experience.   

Additionally, you can use it as a living room futon, bedroom futon or camping mattress. You can even put it in your RV or car while going anywhere and enjoy its comfort on the go. Finally, you get a storage bag, a pair of bandages, and a mattress cover, so you don’t have to worry about making any additional purchases.  

Drawback

A handful of unhappy users found the product to be poorly packed. 

Verdict

The excellent quilted workmanship of polyester and memory foam steals the show as both the materials work in tandem to offer you a comfortable sleeping experience.

FAQ

In this section, we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions to help clear any queries or doubts that you might have about futon mattresses. We hope you find these helpful. 

1. What are the factors to consider when buying a futon mattress?

Now that you’ve gone through our top recommendations, will you be able to make an informed purchase? Well, it’s not as simple as it seems. In order to zero in on the right product, there are a few important factors that you need to keep in mind while placing the order. Not to worry, we have explained all these factors here in detail.  

A. Durability

More often than not, durability depends on the materials used to build the mattress. We strongly recommend choosing a unit that features durable materials to ensure that it lasts long. Additionally, you would want to check the warranty as it is a good way to find out whether or not the manufacturer has faith in their product. 

It’s worth noting that although the materials used in creating a futon mattress dictate its longevity, you need to take care of it as well to ensure it lasts long.  

B. Mattress Cover

Always choose a mattress that comes with a cover. A cover will not only protect your mattress from dust but will also enhance its durability. Not to mention, it adds to the aesthetic appeal of the mattress. You would also want to ensure that the cover is water-resistant so that you don’t have any problem throwing it in the washing machine when it gets dirty.

C. Versatility

Keep in mind that a futon mattress is a 2-in-1 item, as it can be used as a sofa and as a bed. So, be sure to choose a unit that can do both jobs without breaking a sweat. Another thing that you would want to ensure is that it is easy to move from one place to another and serves your requirements.  

D. Comfort

Comfort is perhaps the most important factor that you should consider when choosing a futon mattress. Note that comfort is not only about enjoying a good sleep but also how relaxed you feel while sitting on it. If your unit is in the living space, chances are guests and even your family members will sit on it. 

So, it’s important to go for a mattress that feels comfortable both when sitting and sleeping on. The number of fabric layers used and their types often dictate the comfortability of a mattress. You would want to ensure that your mattress has at least two layers, one for support and the other for comfort. 

E. Thickness       

Another crucial factor to consider when purchasing a futon mattress is its thickness. If you own a sleek and thin futon frame, then we strongly recommend going with a thin futon mattress as a thin frame and mattress will complement each other better. On the other hand, a thick mattress will look better on a thick wooden frame, so choose accordingly.

F. Price

Many buyers often refuse to buy the product they had initially wanted because of its expensive price point. But you should never opt for a mediocre product because you don’t have the money. That’s the worst thing you could do and end up spending a lot more down the road if the mattress wears out within a few months. 

So, save up the required money and opt for high-quality mattresses as they are the ones that usually last for decades. It’s also worth noting that the expensive ones often come with a warranty. Therefore, even if the mattress wears out or doesn’t live up to your expectations, you will get a replacement or a refund.

G. Materials

Futon covers are usually made of polyester. However, you can go with the cotton ones if you want them to be more breathable. They are also made of twill and leather, both of which are great options as well.

As far as the internal construction is concerned, futons feature inner coils and layers of batting or foam. However, the best ones feature a combination of all the three to provide top-notch comfort. To avoid being poked by coils at night, look for the models that come with coils wrapped in between layers of foam or cotton.

While the foam and cotton offer comfort, the coils offer the much-needed support and structure. Options featuring memory foam offer cloud-like comfort; however, it’s worth noting that a memory foam mattress tends to generate extra heat.

Therefore, if you are looking to get a memory-foam based futon, we strongly recommend going with a gel-infused variant that will provide both coolness and comfort.  

2. How long do futon mattresses last?

The longevity of a futon mattress depends on the way you use it and its quality. On average, they last between five and ten years, but they could last longer if you use them only on certain occasions. For instance, if you use the mattress only as a guest bed, then it could last even more than ten years.

On the other hand, if you use the mattress as the main couch or a regular bed, then it could wear out within five years.  

3. How do I keep my futon mattress clean?

If your mattress doesn’t come with a removable mattress protector out of the box, make sure you buy one to keep the mattress clean. You can also use a sheet on your futon mattress. Apart from that, we strongly advise against drinking or eating on your futon mattress. If possible, you might want to keep your children and pets away from the futon as well.

4. What are the differences between hybrid mattresses and futon mattresses?

It’s a tad difficult to compare a hybrid mattress with a futon mattress. This is because the former is only used in beds, whereas the latter can be used as a bed as well as a sofa cushion. 

With futons, you generally get a coil-based mattress or memory-foam based mattress. However, a hybrid mattress features a combination of both components into a bed, offering both support and comfort. Long story short, when it comes to comfort and support, hybrid mattresses do a better job than futon mattresses.    

5. What are the benefits of futon mattresses?

Some of the key benefits of using futon mattresses are as follows: 

A. Multifunctionality 

Futon mattresses can be used on a daybed, a bed and a couch, providing multifunctionality, which you don’t see with other conventional mattresses. Thus, it makes them an ideal choice for flats, studio apartments and various other small living spaces. 

B. Convenience

It’s pretty easy to lay out a futon on the floor for your guests. 

C. No Disturbance

One of the best parts about futons is that it doesn’t cause partner disturbance simply because it doesn’t include any springs or moving parts. So, you can rest assured that you will have a good night’s sleep.  

D. Affordable

Another benefit of futon mattresses is that they are more affordable than conventional bases and mattresses, which ensures they offer better value for money. Futon mattresses also tend to last longer than ordinary spring and foam mattresses. And lastly, it’s worth noting that the polyester/cotton filling of futon mattresses is not susceptible to sagging, unlike regular mattresses. 

E. Hygienic

Since futon mattresses are easy to pack and store away, they are less susceptible to dust and nuisance caused by pets and children. Therefore, they are bound to be more hygienic than ordinary mattresses. 

Most futon mattresses (at least the ones that we have reviewed) come with machine-washable and removable zip covers out of the box, which further ensures that the mattress remains hygienic.  

F. Ideal For Back Support 

Many people are of the option that comfortable and soft beds are ideal for bad backs. However, that’s not entirely true because a mattress that is too soft tends to contour the body extensively, limiting movement, moisture drainage and causing back issues for sleepers.

On the other hand, a firm futon mattress keeps the sleeper’s spine aligned, offering back support and relieving them of back pain.   

G. Multi-Purpose Room

An empty room is no less than a multi-purpose room. After all, you can convert it into a yoga centre, a study area or a playroom as per your requirement. During the night, you can pull out your futon mattress and use the room as a bedroom as well.

Like the Japanese, you can turn any empty room into a guest bedroom simply by using a futon mattress.     

H. Transportable

As we have already stated previously, futons are foldable and flexible and, therefore, can be moved from one place to another without any issues whatsoever. Thus, they are perfect for those who are relocating or just looking to take their bed away while travelling.  

I. Space-Saving

Since futons are flexible, they can be easily rolled up and stored in the cupboard if required. 

J. Children-Friendly

Last but not least, futons are incredibly children-friendly. Since they feature a relatively low base, there are fewer chances of children rolling off the bed and hurting themselves. Thus, you don’t need to worry about buying those overpriced safety rails.

6. How firm are futon mattresses?

In general, futon mattresses tend to be a little firmer than conventional mattresses. They are required to be thin since they serve as both a bed and a sofa. But the overall firmness depends on the quality of the mattress and the type of bed frame.

Ordinary futon mattresses are firmer than memory foam-based units since the latter conforms to your body well. Coil-based options, on the other hand, can be firm or soft depending on the coil tension. But overall, it’s safe to say that futon mattresses are firmer than many other mattresses available on the market.

7. What are the different kinds of futon mattresses?

The different types of futon mattresses are as follows:

A. Innerspring Coil 

This type of futon mattress features innerspring coils and is quite similar to a conventional spring mattress. Additionally, they are great for sleeping and allow you to wake up fresh and relaxed in the morning. Since they include coils, they offer better cushioning than other cotton mattresses. 

Apart from that, innerspring coil futon mattresses absorb your pressure joints, letting you enjoy a good sleep. Equipped with high-density foam, these kinds of futon mattresses provide much-desired comfort to the users. 

B. Cotton/Foam Hybrid

Next, let’s learn a bit about the cotton/foam hybrid mattresses. These mattresses combine both foam and cotton to offer users top-notch comfort and support and have a longer lifespan than conventional cotton futon mattresses. 

That said, we must mention that they are not as comfortable and supportive as foam futon mattresses, and they are a bit more expensive than cotton futon mattresses. 

C. Polyester And Foam Futon

Since these futon mattresses feature a blend of polyester and foam, they tend to last much longer than most other futon mattresses. While polyester is used as the top layer, the inner layers feature foam that makes the mattress soft and comfortable. Additionally, they are more lightweight when compared to cotton-based futon mattresses, thanks to the foam layers.    

D. Cotton Futon

As far as cotton futon mattresses are concerned, they are an ideal choice for those on a humble budget. They are usually firmer than the other options and are mainly laid out on the floor for guests. 

A major disadvantage of cotton futon mattresses is that they don’t offer the same quality as spring or foam futon mattresses in many aspects. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that they wear out sooner and don’t provide enough support as a spring or a foam futon mattress.

E. Wool-Filled Futon

Even though this is a rare type of futon mattress, it is a good option if you live in a colder region. As you know, wool is warm and soft; hence it will warm you up quicker than the other types of futon mattresses.  

F. Spring Futon

Spring futon mattresses are rarely used today and will soon be replaced by memory foam mattresses. These mattresses feature metal coils with quilted layers that ensure that it is comfortable and firm. This type of futon mattress is economically priced and is quite comfortable, which is why they are still the go-to choice for many users.

However, you must note that spring futon mattresses tend to be on the heavier side and may not be easy to fold. 

D. Memory Foam Futon

A memory foam futon mattress is perhaps the most commonly used type of futon mattress. They have gained significant popularity over the past few years because of their unmatched quality and a slew of benefits. According to users, these are quite comfortable as they offer great support to the body regardless of the sleeping position.

Unlike their spring counterparts, which provide imbalanced support due to the coils, they offer consistent support throughout, making it a top choice for those that suffer from joint pain. They are also known to last a lot longer than the other kinds of futon mattresses.

That said, the only gripe most users have with memory foam futon mattresses is that they are a bit more expensive than the other options. If you are not using it regularly and laying it out only on occasions, this may not be the right choice for you.

8. Do I need to rotate my futon mattress?

Yes, futon mattresses should be rotated and flipped to curb the compression caused by heat and weight. New mattresses usually settle in a month. If you sleep in a particular spot regularly, the materials in your mattress will settle unevenly, resulting in depression (sagging). Additionally, it is worth noting that heat can also cause depression in mattresses, especially those that contain foam.

Gel foam, memory foam, and polyurethane foam feature open cells, which eventually break down due to your body heat, causing the mattress to sag. That’s why it is crucial to flip and rotate your mattress to ensure that you are not sleeping on a particular spot regularly.

9. What are the differences between a sofa bed and a futon?         

Even though both sofa beds and futons are designed to save space and are ideal for small apartments, they are different from one another. But which one is better? It’s time to find out. 

Let’s start by discussing sofa beds. As the name suggests, they are a combination of a sofa and a bed. They feature a changeable technology that lets users turn the sofa into a bed as and when required. Additionally, they boast a foldable mattress attached to their framework and seat cushions. 

In order to sleep, you just need to pull out the foldable mattress and move the cushions.

Futons also work as a sofa and a bed, but they don’t look like conventional sofas, as they sport metal or wooden structures with a large mattress. The futon mattresses can be soft, plush or firm and come in a wide range of sizes, including twin, queen and full.

Moving on, sofa beds are available in a wide range of designs, which means users can choose the one that best suits their taste and home decor. On the other hand, futons feature limited designs of metal or wooden frames and a large mattress, which makes them perfect for minimalist decors. 

Since futons come with a large foldable mattress and a sleek framework, they don’t take up too much space, which makes them ideal for small rooms as well. 

It’s worth noting that sofa beds are bigger and more comfortable due to their foam padding, upholstery and superior construction, whereas futons are lightweight and easier to move around. And finally, as for the pricing, the best sofa beds like the Lana sofa bed and the Koala sofa bed are more expensive than the best futon mattresses.

There you have it; these were the major differences between sofa beds and futons.     

10. What are the advantages of choosing sofa beds over futon mattresses?

The advantages of choosing sofa beds over futon mattresses are as follows:

  • More comfortable
  • Looks more aesthetically pleasing  
  • Available in different styles and across different designs
  • More welcoming

11. What are the advantages of choosing futon mattresses over sofa beds?

The advantages of choosing a futon mattress over sofa beds are as follows:

  • More affordable
  • Different mattress types
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Ideal for small spaces.

12. Is it safe to sleep on a futon mattress every night?

Yes, of course. After all, it is a mattress and therefore can be used as conventional bedding. There is no proof that sleeping on a futon on a regular basis is harmful to your health. Just make sure that your futon is comfortable and offers enough support and cushioning. 

Whether you are sleeping on a bed or futon, lack of support and comfort can give rise to back pains. So, we strongly recommend adding an extra layer to the futon if required. 

13. Are futon mattresses safe for everyone?

For most people, futon mattresses are absolutely safe; in fact, the futon bedding style is highly beneficial for people suffering from sciatica and those with low blood circulation. However, it might not be the right choice for those who require high-quality beds to sleep on, such as the elderly, side sleepers, those with disabilities and pregnant women. 

If you suffer from mobility issues and joint pains, you may find it difficult to sleep on a futon. Additionally, you might experience pain in your shoulders and the hip region. Overweight people may also find futons uncomfortable because they might not be able to offer the required support.

14. Are there any disadvantages of sleeping on futons?

Even though the advantages of sleeping on futons are many, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure you don’t regret making the purchase.  

A. Maintenance

First of all, the care and maintenance of futons are quite high. The cotton-based ones tend to absorb moisture; hence you will have to clean them regularly to ensure that they last long. 

B. Cold

Since futons are incredibly breathable, you might feel cold sleeping on them in the winter.  

C. Allergic

Those allergic to dust mites and dust could have difficulty sleeping on a futon. You will have to clean it regularly to tackle this issue.

D. Crawlies

If your house or flat is susceptible to pest infestation, you may find it difficult to sleep on a futon. That’s because the bugs can crawl up to the futon and cause nuisance, disturbing your sleep.    

E. Takes Time To Get Used To

Getting used to sleeping on a futon can take a while, especially for those who have spent a good amount of their lives sleeping and laying on high-quality beds. When you sleep on a futon, you essentially sleep on the floor, and some people could find it a little hard to adjust to.  

15. How to make sleeping on futons more comfortable?

Here, we have discussed a few ways in which you can make your sleeping experience comfortable on a futon:

A. Add Layers

If your futon mattress is a bit too firm, we suggest adding a couple of layer comforters such as blankets and duvet covers to make it softer. This will help you sleep better on your futon.

B. Add Slats

You can consider incorporating slats to ensure your futon is slightly elevated and more comfortable. However, it’s worth noting that slats may not be ideal if you don’t have enough space in your room.  

C. Extra Mattress Topper

Another ingenious way of making your futon more comfortable is by adding a mattress topper. They are generally made from memory foam that conforms to your body shape by using your body heat and pressure and offers a pleasant and comfortable sleeping experience.

You can also place the mattress topper underneath your futon. However, that’s something you should avoid if you suffer from joint pain. Mattress toppers also feature cool gel memory to provide you with a cool sleeping experience and escape during the summers.  

D. Tatami Mat

Last but not least, you can use a tatami mat to make your futon mattress more comfortable. When you put it underneath the futon, you help provide adequate breathing room to the futon, which allows it to cool down during summers. 

A tatami mat also provides extra support to the futon. So, if you are a heavy sleeper, you don’t have to worry about sinking into the mattress entirely.

16. How do I keep my futon mattress from sliding?

If your futon mattress keeps sliding, you can do the following things to prevent it:

A. Use A Rubber Mat

You can use a rubber mat to keep your futon mattress from sliding. However, note that they tend to attract dust, so make sure you clean them every other week. 

B. Velcro Strips

Additionally, velcro strips can help offer a firm grip on your futon mattress and prevent it from sliding.  

C. Use Cotton Sheets

Make sure that you place a cotton sheet on top of your futon mattress. Besides protecting you from germs and bacteria, it will offer you a supportive sleeping experience.

17. Where to find futons to buy

In major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra, finding a top-rated futon mattress can be a task. For those seeking the best futon mattress for sleeping, check out our Sleep Society top recommendation below. Many Australians prefer online shopping for its vast variety and convenience.

Verdict

With that, we have almost reached the end of our guide. And we hope that it has helped you select the best futon mattress in Australia. If you are still unable to make a choice, keep reading as we let you in on our favourite products from the list to make things crystal clear.

In our opinion, the Yoshoot Black Japanese Shiki Futon is the best overall simply because it features microfibre cotton and memory foam construction, which makes it incredibly comfortable. Closely following the YOSHOOT unit is the Japanese Futon from MAXYOYO, as it is highly versatile and sports an affordable price tag, giving tough competition to the other options.

And if you are looking for a futon mattress that offers a top-notch thermal insulation effect, we strongly recommend going with the MASVIS Japanese Futon Mattress. 

On that note, it’s time for us to sign off.

Until next time, take care!