Choosing a good futon base and mattress

Although many of us think of a futon as a folding sofa bed, according to Adrian Cormick at Fantasy Futon the word 'futon' only refers to the mattress. It's the futon base that will determine if you're getting a futon bed or a futon sofa, one that will double as both a great place to sleep and a convenient place to sit.

Futon Mattresses

So, when you're looking for a futon, keep in mind that the mattress and futon base come separately, but the choice of looks, comfort and styles for the base is vast, often echoing the simplicity and minimalism of the futon's Asian roots.

"The futon used to be just a simple mattress stuffed with cotton, but today a futon can match any inner-spring mattress and suit almost any way a person sleeps," says Adrian. "You can even get ones that have inner springs, so there's a type of futon to cover every sleeping style."

Choosing a futon base

Once you know what size, thickness and quality of mattress you want, finding the right futon base is next. But no matter how you sleep or whether you're after a bed or a sofa, it's important that the futon sit on a slatted frame. "Properly made futons are made of natural fibres and they need to breathe," says Adrian. "If the air can't circulate, the futon will condense down and that leads to mould."

In keeping with the environmentally friendly, mostly natural fibre mixes of the futon, the best futon base to complement your mattress is wooden, and there are many available that are made from reforested Australian hardwoods.

Futon Sofas

Most futon bases come in standard bed sizes, but as Adrian reveals, the sofa bases also translate into seat size. "We have two-seater options, which head out from the wall and you sleep on the width when unfolded, or three-seaters that sleep along the wall and you sit on the length," he says.

As a sofa, the futon offers a stylish and simple alternative, with or without arms, and you can even get modular day-bed styles. "The base can be stained any colour and the futon cover can be in any material," says Adrian. "But it's probably best to use a natural fibre cover, again to help the futon breathe."

Avoid cheap mattresses and futon bases 

Adrian does have a word of caution: "It's important to be aware that there are cheap futons available which are stuffed with crushed foam," he says.

Get the best out of your new futon bed or futon sofa with a quality supplier.