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How to make a futon more comfortable?

No one wants their overnight guests to feel uncomfortable while they are staying, especially when arranging a guest bed. Extra space is a significant limitation in modern-day apartment living, where there is seldom a spare room. In this case, it is always better to have an alternate plan if someone comes for an overnight stay. Futons make one of the better choices in a smart living environment.

However, futon mattresses are unsuitable for long use, given their thin width and lightweight. Moreover, it tends to sag early than regular bed mattresses.

So, how a futon mattress can be made more comfortable? The following post highlights some practical solutions to the above question. Check out this post to learn more about futon mattresses and how to make them comfortable (also check 8 most comfy futon mattresses).

Best Topper to Make Futon Comfortable

This futon’s mattress topper provides ultimate pressure relief if you use a substantial mattress, providing excellent support for side sleepers

It is hard to get a perfect mattress; if you find one, it will cost you a fortune. In another scenario, your bed is getting hard with consistent use and not providing the same comfort level as it is supposed to. Although the perfect solution for all these situations is to get a new mattress, if there is budget, time, and place constraint, a much better option is to get a mattress topper.

A lot of materials are used in making various mattress toppers. However, getting softness and comfort at the cost of animal byproducts is not sustainable for the environment. Plushbeds, being the ambassadors of sustainability and anti-animal cruelty, introduced the next best alternative to a down-based mattress topper.

The company introduced vegan down for its bed topper. A vegan down is of high-quality microfibers that provide almost the same result as the goose-based down, significantly in silky softness and pressure relief. So, it will give a smooth experience and the mattress topper will keep you cool and dry without retaining any moisture. This is further supported by a premium cotton cover that elevates comfort and supports people with sensitive skin.

The color option is white for a premium look. However, sophistication is in the overall construction of this mattress topper. The inner is designed in a baffle box structure that keeps even distribution of down alternatives in the whole topper.

The best thing about Plush-bed’s down alternate toppers is that it contains a luxurious feel with affordable rates, which is a good bargain. In addition, the 100% cotton cover enhances the customer base by creating a fantastic sleeping experience for both hot and cool sleepers (check the best selling mattress toppers for futon).

How to Make Your Futon More Comfortable?

When looking for a piece of smart home furniture, look for Futons, as this type will bring a new look to your living room. Futons are close cousins to two-seater couches. The only difference is futons come in two-in-one settings with both couch and small bed options with the help of a folding/unfolding mechanism.

Apart from being a lounge sofa, a futon can be a perfect choice for a guest bed. When in need, unfold the futon, straight up the mattress, and voila! The guest bed is ready.

Since futon mattresses are pliable and need to be folded, they are comparatively thinner in width. Therefore, if a futon is in heavy use, there is a good chance that the mattress will get uncomfortable. One solution for this is to change the mattress altogether. However, some other viable options can improve the life of a futon mattress.

Add A Plush Topper

An effective way of improving the comfort level of a futon is by using a mattress topper. Mattress toppers enhance the comfort level of a mattress that has become uncomfortable. However, selecting the right topper for a futon mattress is essential.

Since most of the time, the futon is going to be used as a couch, and at that time, there is no need to have a mattress topper, so only use it when you unfold your futon.

However, the issue of topper storage arises, which will become an extra thought. Hence, memory foam or down/ alternate down-filled mattress toppers are suitable options.

Furthermore, you can place a coil mattress topper if you have plenty of storage space. Storage space for this mattress topper is essential because if it is folded, it will lose its usability.

Place It On A Supportive Bed Base

Another way of improving your futon mattress experience is by using a bed base. A basic bed base under your futon acts in the same manner as it does under your sleeping mattress, it gives proper support to your futon, and as a result, you or your guests will add comfort and support.

If you are uncomfortable placing the base under your futon, add wooden slats underneath your mattress. Wooden slats will provide an even surface where the futon mattress will spread equally for comfort and support. The slats will prevent the mattress from getting saggy early, improving its life. Placing bed bases requires no rocket science. Get them from any furniture store and put them under your mattress or futon.

Add An Air Mattress

Adding an air mattress to your futon mattress is a relatively simple and more convenient option, especially if you live in an apartment with limited space and don’t want to spend too much on extra support. An Air mattress is a high-quality balloon in a shape of a bed. This is a relatively cheaper solution for enhancing your futon mattress’s comfort (check the top rated air mattresses for everyday use).

Air mattresses are easy to store as you can place them in your storage area in a deflated form. For example, when you need your futon to be turned into a bed, unfold your futon and adjust, inflate the air mattress and place it straight over it.

The air in an air mattress will absorb extra pressure from the sleeper, distributing it throughout the bed.

Attach Grips To The Mattress

Futons don’t have a corner or side supports that can keep the futon mattress in the same position throughout the night. Moreover, these mattresses are thin in width and hence lightweight, making them consistently moving.

Sleeping on a mattress that moves to the sides or down every time you change your position is pretty uncomfortable. A futon mattress alone is comfortable enough for a few nights’ use; however, you can control the consistent moving part by adding grips.

You can find these grips or straps at any home goods store. Take a bunch of grips, as it won’t cost you a fortune. Once you have arranged the futon bed, place these grips on the corners and on both sides to create a secure and comfortable sleeping experience.

Add Extra Support At The Bottom Of The Mattress

Most of the futons have wooden slats underneath the mattress to secure the whole structure. Some of them might have metal and spring structures. In both cases, the futon mattress can get saggy over time.

A simple plywood or any other rigid sheet can reduce the sagginess of a futon mattress.

Place A Featherbed On Top Of The Futon Mattress

How to make a futon mattress more comfortable for sleeping

Featherbed, as the name suggests, is made from a down or down alternate. The feel is quite similar to a comforter. Usually, featherbeds are from feathers or down, so they are soft and warm. If you place this fluffy layer on your futon mattress, you will surely enjoy a more comfortable sleep.

The overall design of a featherbed prevents the inner material from sliding on one side, making it one of the ideal options for your futon mattress. If you have any skin sensitivity, get a featherbed with a cotton futon cover to get the necessary breathability and avoid any material allergy.

Layer Comforters On Top

This is by far the most convenient and easy way to enhance the sleeping value of your futon mattress. If you are fond of your comforters, then you already know the comfort and cozy level they provide when you tuck inside them. However, for a futon mattress, instead of putting your comforter on top of you, try layering it over the mattress and experience laying on top of your comforter.

Fill your futon mattresses with numerous comforters in your house to get the ultimate comfy sleeping experience on your futon mattress. Furthermore, you don’t have to spend a penny this way. If you don’t have many comforters, you can get them at your local home goods store or supermarkets at a good bargain.

How Healthy Is It To Sleep On A Futon?

It is healthy to sleep on a futon, as far as health is concerned. A futon’s surface is usually hard, providing extra support to your body, and is good for spinal adjustment. It can help to prevent back pains to a certain level.

However, that being said, the important thing is comfort level. For instance, if you feel comfortable on a soft and cozy surface, you might not have a better sleeping experience in a futon. This might lead to mild headaches or body pains in the morning. Although, any serious health issue is still out of the question.

Key Takeaways: Enhancing Futon Comfort – Tips to Amp Up Your Guest Bed

Opting for a Quality Mattress Topper

A smart way to overcome the inherent thinness of futon mattresses is by investing in a plush mattress topper. The Plushbeds Down Alternative Mattress Topper is an environmentally conscious choice that brings a dose of luxury without the high cost, thanks to its vegan down made from high-quality microfibers. This topper keeps you cool and provides pressure relief, ensuring a comfortable sleep for your guests.

Choosing the Right Base

Adding a supportive bed base or wooden slats underneath your futon can significantly improve its comfort level. A stable base prevents early sagging of the mattress, thereby enhancing its lifespan and comfort. It’s a simple, cost-effective solution for those who find their futon lacking in support.

Consider an Air Mattress

An air mattress is a convenient addition that can transform the comfort level of your futon, especially useful in space-constrained apartments. Easy to store and budget-friendly, an air mattress absorbs pressure, offering a softer sleeping surface for your guests.

Grip It Right

The mobility of futon mattresses can disrupt sleep. Adding grips or straps can secure the mattress in place, ensuring a stable, comfortable sleeping environment. It’s a small investment towards significantly improving the comfort of your futon.

Additional Support with Plywood

Placing a rigid sheet of plywood beneath the futon mattress can mitigate sagginess, providing an even surface for a better sleeping experience. This simple modification can extend the life and comfort of your futon mattress.

Featherbed for a Soft Touch

A featherbed can add a layer of softness and warmth to your futon, offering a cozy sleeping surface. Select a featherbed with a cotton cover if skin sensitivity is a concern, ensuring a breathable and allergy-free sleep experience.

Comforter Layering Technique

Layering comforters on top of your futon mattress can create a plush, cozy sleeping environment without any extra expense. This technique utilizes existing household items to enhance the comfort of your futon, making it a practical solution for a more enjoyable sleep experience.

Futons and Health

While futons offer a firmer sleeping surface beneficial for spinal alignment, the comfort level is subjective. Ensuring a comfortable setup by following the aforementioned tips can contribute to a restful sleep, making futons a healthy choice for overnight guests.

Conclusion:

Futons are the best alternative for a lounge couch and settling your overnight staying guests. Its two-in-one function makes it a perfect temporary bed with the ability to save extra space. However, futon mattresses are uncomfortable to sleep on due to their small width, lightweight, and uneven spread.

Ultimately, you can enhance your futon experience by following the tricks mentioned in this post.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8721681/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965206X15000960

How to Make a Futon More Comfortable FAQs

How Do You Soften Hard Futon Beds?

You can use multiple ways to soften the hard futon mattress. For instance, adding a down comforter or down alternate mattress topper on top of your futon mattress can provide sufficient softness. Alternatively, using a lot of comforters or pillows on top of your futon mattress and laying on them allows you a comfortable sleeping experience.

Air mattresses are soft to some extent, providing softness to a hard futon mattress.

Can A Futon Be As Comfortable As A Bed?

Futons convert into a bed for a limited period, so you cannot get the exact comfort level on a proper bed mattress. There are numerous reasons for that. First, a futon mattress is not dense enough to provide ultimate comfort and support. Secondly, futon mattresses are foldable, so they might not get fully flat, creating uneven surfaces to sleep on.

How Do You Keep A Futon, Fluffy?

There are two most common ways to fluff up your futon mattress. First up is by unzipping your futon mattresses and fluffing the foam inside with your hands. If the foam has flattened beyond fluffing, it's time to replace it inside and add a fresh layer.

Alternatively, you can always place mattress toppers or fluffy comforters for a fluffy futon. You don't have to worry about fluffing the mattress this way.

Are Futons Healthy To Sleep On?

Futons are healthy to sleep on. First, the best part of a futon is that it properly straights out to become a bed, so there is no risk of accidental midnight folding. Secondly, you will get a hard surface from your futon, which is healthy for your back aches and spinal adjustment. Finally, adding a top layer to your futon can enhance your comfort level.