Futons are indeed one of the most popular beddings that give you warm and cozy feelings while sinking into it. However, you certainly do enjoy sleeping or sitting on a futon but it is obvious that all of you might not know what are futons made of.
What Are Futons Made Of?
Basic futons are made of 100% organic cotton. But lately, futons are being manufactured by incorporating compressed layers of materials such as latex, foam, and polyester, and pocket coils and innerspring. Latex futons are comfy to sleep on, so now it’s widely being used to make futons.
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Traditionally, futon mattresses used to made up of 100% organic cotton and those were absolutely handmade. But over time, cotton has a tendency of getting compressed and being hard and lumpy.
So to avoid this little discomfort, recently foam is added with cotton to sus maintain the rigidity of the futons.
However, to increase the comfortability futons are manufactured by incorporating compressed layers of latex(which is highly popular in the West), foam and polyester, or pocket coils and innerspring. Latex futon mattresses are the most popular ones because they are very comfy to sleep/sit on.
Fact is, no matter what the material is, all these compressed layers are tufted together to sustain the batting security and ensuring the longevity of the mattresses.
Japanese Futon vs Western Futon
There are several differences between these two types of futons, here a short explanation has given below.
Japanese Futons:
The very traditional Japanese futon mattresses are handmade and made of 100% organic cotton. These mattresses are typically slim, and these are three to four inches thick.
Also, Japanese futons are rectangular in size and foldable. Since they are foldable so these save up a lot of space.
The highlight of Japanese futons is, these mattresses are lightweight so quite easily can be cleaned and hanged on under sunlight. And they are very cheap in price as well.
Japanese futons are mainly used for sleeping purposes by placing them on the floor over tatami(a bottom material). And these are not placed on any kind of frame.
Western Futons:
Western futons are lately made of latex as latex made mattresses are really comfortable to sleep and sit on. Along with latex foam, foam and polyester, and pocket coils and innerspring.
These futons are made of cotton along with foam also, as foam maintains the rigidity of the mattress.
Western futons are comparatively more flexible and thick. Also, these mattresses are used for different purposes and on difference surfaces as well. These futons are placed on frames, and too thick to fold so they can not be cleaned easily or taken out in the air.
Another difference is, western futons are about six inches or more inches thick. Western futons are creatively pricey as well.
Different Types Of Futon Frame Materials
Futon frames are made of two kinds of materials. To give you a detain insight into two kinds of frame materials, here is a detailed list of frame materials are given below.
Wooden Frame
Wooden frames are the most used ones. These futon frames are made of both hardwood and softwood. Hardwood such as Mahogany, Oak, Maple, and Beech are used for making such frames.
High-quality hardwood is highly durable and lasts for a long period. But these can be pricey.
However, there is a cheaper option too. And it is using softwood such as Pine to make wooden frames. Pinewood is lighter in weight and also quite durable. Mainly it is cost-effective.
Metal
Metals are relatively quite cheap in price than wooden frames and they offer a huge range of designs. These have a spring hinge that operates the front and they come with round bars. Steel is the most common metal that is widely used to make metal frames.
But metal frames sometimes can be uncomfortable, especially with a thin futon mattress. But metal frames are also durable and can last for a long time.
Wood And Metal
Recently these frames are getting popular for being a versatile design. The sitting frame is usually made of metal here and the handles, rails, are made of wood. It allows customization such as coloring options. These frames are popular in modern homes.
What Are Futons Filled With?
Traditional Japanese futons are filled up with 100% organic cotton. But these days, foam is added with cotton to maintain rigidity. Because over time cotton gets compressed and becomes hard and lumpy.
But Western futons are now filled up with latex mainly, as latex made futons are comfortable to sleep on. Also, cotton and foam, foam, foam and polyester, and pocket coils and innerspring are also being used to fill up futons.
Different Types Of Futon Materials
Futons are made of various materials. And to give you a brief yet detailed knowledge about the materials, here is a list is given for your convenience.
Cotton
Cotton is the basic material. Cotton-made futons are typically lightweight. And they get compressed over time and become chunky and hard.
Cotton And Foam
Cotton and foam are a popular combination now. As foam provides rigidity and strengthens the mattress. These two materials are layered in different ways to offer support and comfort while sitting or sleeping.
Latex
Latex mattresses are now the talk of the town. It is very comfortable and has a dense surface due to its elastic properties. Therefore, sleeping or coughing on it is more comfortable as your body gets full support and sink in it.
Memory Foam
Memory foams consist of polystyrene foam. It is a great material as it shapes itself as per the body movement and shapes the body as well. That provides incredible support to the body.
Innersprings And Pocket Coil
Innerspring futons offer the traditional mattress to keep the additional area between your body and the slats. Innerspring futons hold the mattress size in a better way.
And the pocket coil mattress is individually draped coils that avoid movement transfer and enhance the longevity of coils to maintain shape.
Different Types Of Futons In Terms Of Styles
The style of futons has changed drastically over the period to catch up with new trendy styles. So to take you on a deep dive into these various kinds of futon styles, an informative list has been provided below
Traditional
Traditional futons can be folded into as both bed and sofa. And the frame is made of wood or metal. And the very traditional Japanese futons are just a plain mattress which is foldable and easily movable. Used for sleeping purposes only.
Lounger
Lounger futons are popular in the West. It’s already made up like a bed-sofa so no need if assemble them. Best when you have guests to stay over at home.
Bunk Bed
This is typically a children’s futon. As it has bunkers, therefore you can set up two beds at the same time or a sofa underneath and a bed at the top. There is a joined frame supporting both of the bunkers. It is used for saving up space.
Armless
Armless futons are handier and very minimalistic than other futons. The setup is very neat and clean also quite easy and basic. The cushions of the seat will directly be used as the mattress. So you need no extra mattress to put on it.
Outdoor Futon
It’s an item of modern-day garden furniture. Small and cozy in size, very comfy, foldable with a water-resistant cover for outdoor usage. However, at the time of need, you can turn it into home furniture and provide as a quick bed.
Is Sleeping On A Futon Healthy?
Sleeping on futons is indisputably good for health and especially for the back. As futon mattresses are quite firm than regular beddings and have an uneven surface.
Also, research proves that sleeping regularly on a firm yet enough supportive and cushioned mattress offers support and comfort to the back. And keeps the back spine aligned. So, no matter what your sleeping positions are, your back spine will rest in an aligned position the whole night.
Moreover, continuing sleeping on futons gradually will lessen your back pain. As these mattresses are firm and not soft, so they will allow your back muscles to have a natural turn and twist.
But remember that, futons really don’t guarantee you that they can cure your back pain and strengthen your back muscles. Also, elderly people are suggested for not sleeping on futons, as it might not be healthy for all of them.
Are Futons Good For Everyday Use?
Futons are mainly designed for everyday use purposes. So these mattresses are an ideal type of beddings for everyday usage, sleeping, and sitting on them.
However, futon mattresses must be high-quality, thick, and firm for using everyday. If you want to use futons for daily life, then you should select a foldable futon for comfortable sitting and sleeping.
Moreover, since futons are thick and film so they tend to slip down. So make sure to buy a flexible and rigid futon for everyday use with a quality core for holding up position.
Traditional futons are made of cotton and they will always stay at the top no matter how many changes in materials come.
However, latex, memory foam, pocket coil and innerspring, and foam and polyester-made futons are also gaining much popularity. Because these are serving the expectations of people and providing comfort.