5 Best Futon Mattresses of 2024 That Overnight Guests Will Thank You For
Low on beds? Top off couches with these futon mattresses.
Expert consulted: Grace WuTextiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst
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Like a souped-up sleeping bag, a futon mattress is the perfect solution for impromptu overnight guests or those with limited real estate. Futons hail from Japanese culture and tout space-saving and flexible perks. As minimalism trends grew, futons trickled into to Western homes, especially college dormitories and snug apartments.
Western-style futons are typically designed with more plushness, layering foam or innerspring coils. Similar to sleeper sofas and futon couches, these mattresses typically sit on a frame that can convert from sofa to bed when needed. Other modern futon mattresses embrace their Japanese roots, and simply roll out on the floor.
We found a mix of the best futon mattresses, including Queen sizes, foldable options and Amazon picks (so you can get speedy shipping in time for your next hosting gig). Plus, Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst Grace Wu weighs in on how to shop the most comfortable futon mattresses according to sleep type and more.
Sleepers who prefer that firm, sink-in feeling can get a good night's rest on a futon too. This Full-sized futon mattress has a 2-inch layer of memory foam and a 4-inch base of support foam. If you have a revolving door of guests, the memory foam mattress comes encased in a machine-washable cover that zips off easily. Take note: The frame is not included, but the brand claims it fits most standard Full-sized futon frames.
Type: Memory foam | Thickness: 6" | Sizes: Full
Kodiak Furniture 8" Full Size Spring Futon Mattress Replacement
When impromptu guests arrive, this Full-sized futon mattress springs into action. It's 8 inches thick, offering ample support for sleepers. With an innerspring construction, reviewers appreciated its "cushiness." It "popped into shape easily (sounds like it has springs inside) [and] folds well as a futon," an Amazon shopper said. "Overall, [I'm] really happy." Plus, its tufted design helps it blend more seamlessly with your space when not in use. Keep in mind it only comes in a Full size.
Type: Innerspring | Thickness: 8" | Sizes: Full
The Futon Shop Shiki Japanese Futon Mattress
GH pros Emma Seymour and Alec Scherma slept on tatami-style futon mattresses during their trips to Japan, and Scherma described this style as "comfortable, supportive and firm." Wu added: "Because of their construction (typically foam sandwiched between fiber beds), they have a breathable nature, especially when placed on a traditional tatami mat." A popular pick among online shoppers, The Futon Shop mattress comes in 3-inch and 5-inch options. The only caveat? Seymour, a side sleeper, felt pressure on her hips when sleeping on the Japanese mattress type.
Type: Japanese | Thickness: 3" or 5" | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full/Double, Full/Double XL Long, Queen, Eastern King, California King
This floor futon mattress fits right in at a children's sleepover — it's even available in Single and Cot sizes. It comes in 22 options, including constellation patterns or neutral colors (which better accommodate grown-up visitors). An online reviewer said their son slept soundly on the 4-inch-thick mat. "From the first night, my son was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and restful his sleep was, and his back didn't hurt!" they wrote. "He loves the idea that he can just roll it up when he wants a change of scenery and take it with him."
Type: Japanese | Thickness: 3.5" | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, Small Single, Cot
Available in thicknesses of 6-, 8-, 9- and 10-inches, this futon mattress from Wayfair is designed to provide plenty of cushion. It comes in 19 colors, spanning dark browns and greys to vibrant pops of sage green and cherry red. "I love it!" an online reviewer said. "I purchased the 10-inch thickness. It is so comfortable, and I did not have to wait for it to take shape at all." It's only available in Full or Queen sizes.
Type: Foam | Thickness: 6", 8", 9", 10" | Sizes: Full, Queen
What to consider when buying a futon mattress
While futons seem like a simple enough buy, they're actually a bit more costly than you might think, with quality ones starting at around $100. We tapped Wu for her expert advice on shopping for the best futon mattresses for your money. "Comfort depends on your sleep position, body type and personal preference," she notes. So, here's what you should keep in mind, per her advice:
✔️ Mattress type: Most futon mattresses you'll find are either all-foam, latex, innerspring, hybrid or Japanese tatami-style options.
- Foam mattresses are known for their pressure-relieving, cradling feel.
- Latex is known for its springy, responsive feel.
- Innerspring mattresses typically offer uniform support with excellent breathability, thanks to the coil system.
- Japanese-style futon mattresses provide cushioning but are relatively thin and firm, relying on the solid ground underneath to provide support. In a way, it can help enforce good posture or help train your body.
✔️ Sleep type: Everyone is unique when it comes to sleep position. But most medical professionals our Textiles Lab pros have spoken to over the years generally recommend the following advice:
- Keeping your spine in neutral alignment is key to reducing any strain or excess weight on areas like the back and hips.
- For side sleepers, a softer surface is ideal for relieving pressure, while stomach sleepers require a firmer surface to keep their backs and hips in a neutral position.
- Back sleepers and combination sleepers fall in between and are well-suited to a medium level of firmness.
✔️ Body type: Different body types also have different needs for mattress firmness levels. Sleepers with heavier body weights often need a firmer bed to ensure optimal support, while those with lighter body weights are better suited to a softer surface.
What is best depth for a comfortable futon mattress?
Futon mattresses typically range from 3 to 9 inches thick but some models reach up to 12 inches thick. If you're using one frequently, Wu recommends at least 8 inches (most standard bed mattresses are at least this height) for adequate support. For infrequent use, like spontaneous overnight guests, 6 inches works fine.
What are the disadvantages of a futon mattress?
"Their construction is often simpler due to the lower height," says Wu. "Modern bed mattresses are designed with features like ergonomic layouts (including zoned support and cushioning) often favored by our testing panel and cooling technology. You'll also have fewer options compared to the standard mattress space. Still, futon mattresses are great for saving space."
Is it OK to sleep on a futon every night?
We generally wouldn't recommend it. Futon mattresses are often less thick than your standard mattress, which can impact the mattress's lifespan, according to Wu.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Our pros within the GH Institute's Textiles Lab are experts on all things mattresses. Textiles Product Reviews Analyst Grace Wu regularly evaluates mattresses herself, coordinates consumer testing and writes about beds for every type of sleeper. She holds a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University.
Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin collaborated with Wu when writing our guide to the best futon mattresses. Jacqueline consulted her on the most frequently asked questions that arise when shopping. She also rounded up picks based on our experts' suggestions for different sleep types.
Jacqueline (she/her) was a commerce editor for Good Housekeeping from 2021 to 2024. Prior to joining GH, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
