In-Depth Primer ~

Choosing a Mattress

How To Choose The Right Futon Mattress for Your Home or Apartment

Choosing the right futon mattress is easy once you understand how the filling materials cause the mattress to react differently to the weight of the human body and other criteria. The following explanations should help you determine which mattress will perform best for your personal needs and application.

Trying to graph the different configurations is subjective judgment at best. For weight, shorter is better as long as the minimum (6 inch) thickness is maintained. Firmness, rigidity, and flexibility are relative to the desires of the mattress user. Please use this guide wisely. It is meant to help you understand how the product will perform, not judge its quality or value.

Futon Sizes

Single/Twin		39" x 75"
Double/Full		54" x 75"
Queen		60" x 80"
King		78" x 80"
California King		72" x 84"

Extra Long

Double/Full		54" x 80"
Single/Twin		39" x 80"

Seating Sizes

Chair		28" x 54"
Double/Full Love Seat		54" x 54"
Queen Love Seat		54" x 60"
Ottoman		21" x 28"
Double/Full Ottoman		21" x 54"
Queen Ottoman		21" x 60"

The sizes listed here for futon mattresses are the standard sizes for all mattresses as designated in the standard recognized by ISPA (the International Sleep Products Association).

Futon Life Recommends

Futon Life recommends a minimum six-inch thick futon for use on any convertible futon frame. A thinner mattress is acceptable, but only as a rolled-up, closet-stored, floor or tatami mattress. The six-inch measurement applies not only to the new product but also to how thick it remains over its usable life.

To measure thickness, go to the middle of the side, place a hand on the top and bottom of the mattress, and squeeze your hands together gently. Measure the distance between your two palms. If it is not a solid five inches, the mattress does not meet the minimum. Please remember that this method is not scientific since each person’s concept of “gentle” is subjective. Close to five inches is good. Three inches is not.

Make sure the retailer offers a written guarantee for their frames against breakage under normal use. Also, educate yourself as to how a specific frame works. Proper use of the mechanism will insure a long life for your new futon sofa sleeper.

Testing conversion mechanisms, by putting them through the same kinds of rigors they will experience in your home, can be accomplished right in the store. If the conversion is difficult at the store, it will probably be difficult at home. Be sure to convert the frame with a mattress on it. If it looks and feels weak and sloppy in the store, don’t buy it.

Slip Stoppers

Most frames come with some kind of slip stopper pad attached to the frame so the mattress won’t slide down and off the front of the frame. Futon Life recommends using a slip stopper that covers the entire surface of the seat and backrest.