Please note that, unfortunately, we are no longer making futon mattresses. We hope the following information will still be of use if you have an existing futon from us, but we won’t be making them any more.

Our futon mattresses are a modern version of the traditional Japanese mattress. We have over 20 years experience as specialist futon makers using the best quality materials and construction techniques to produce superior quality futons. We make our futons in the traditional way; with square boxed corners and a zip around three sides so the filling can fit right into the corners. The filling is carefully added one layer at a time until the correct thickness is attained.

Our futons are filled with layers of cotton and polyester felts. The cotton layers create the essential ‘futon’ style, whilst also contributing to firmness and the “cool in summer, warm in winter” character.

The polyester layers are springier, lighter in weight and increase the futon’s comfort and life span.

Colour Options

There is a choice of colours for the futon case: calico (unbleached, off-white), navy blue, wine, terracotta, harmony green, mink, chocolate, charcoal and black. Calico is the usual choice if the futon is for a bed. The brighter colours are more often chosen for sofa-beds.

The futon covers are not removable, however it is possible to order an additional removable loose cover. There is a zip around three sides of the removable cover, so it can be easily removed for cleaning. Loose covers should be washed on a 30 degree setting and cool dried.

Futons are finished with coloured ties which pass through the futon and keep the filling in position. The colour options for the ties are: natural (a warm ivory colour), black, navy or silver-grey.

Choosing the right thickness of futon mattress

For the Cuba and Panama sofa beds we supply a 7 layer futon with your sofa-bed base.

For regular use, we recommend a 7 layer futon. We can only make futons to a maximum of UK standard king-size (150x200cm). If you weigh over 95Kg we recommend you use two 4 layer futons on top of each other for adequate support. Alternatively, you may prefer to consider one of our other types of mattresses.

“How long will a futon mattress last?”

This is probably the most difficult question we get asked!

There are many cheap futons on the market which can give the product a bad name. We use the finest quality materials to make very comfy futons that will last. We have customers who change their futon after 4 or 5 years, whilst others use their futon for 10 years or longer. Futons become firmer over time and the lifespan will be different for different people. Futon longevity depends on many factors including;

  • Your weight – the lighter you are the longer any mattress will last. It’s important with a futon to get a thickness appropriate to your weight.
  • Your profile – if you sleep on your side your mattress has to accommodate the shape of your hips and shoulders. For this reason there is some degree of gender difference; men often prefer firmer mattresses than women. Regardless, if you sleep on you back your profile is flatter, meaning a firmer mattress is generally more acceptable.
  • How well you look after your futon – the cotton in your futon will absorb moisture from your body. Rolling and turning your futon once a week will air it and restore the loft of the fibres. The more you do this the longer your futon will last.
  • The type of bed slats you have – sprung slats potentially increase futon lifespan of futon mattresses, because they ‘give’ slightly under your weight.
  • Your personal preference! If your preference is a firm mattress, you will continue to be happy with your futon for longer than someone person who loves their new futon feel, as futons continue to become firmer over time.

How to prolong the life of your futon….

Your futon is mostly cotton which will absorb moisture from your body under a warm quilt at night. If it’s your regular bed, once a week you should roll it up (like a Swiss roll) in the morning, then unroll it and turn it over at night. If you use it on the floor you should do this on alternate days during the week.

The more regularly you do this the longer you can maintain the ‘feel’ and ‘life’ of your futon.

You may also want to order a loose cover for your futon, this can be washed or dry-cleaned (depending on the fabric) and help keep your futon mattress pristine!

We are often asked if we are able to recondition old futons? This is one of the few questions to which we answer, no, I’m sorry we don’t. We suggest you get in touch with your local council to discuss the options for removal and disposal of your old futon.

If you have any other questions regarding our futon mattresses please do get in touch on 0114 272 1984 – we’ll be happy to help!

2 comments on “Looking After Your Futon Mattress…”

  1. Can you tell me if your futon beds are available to view other than at your Sheffield showroom?
    We are very interested in buying one for our daughters new house as we want something comfy to use when we stay over!
    We have never bought a futon before so would welcome your advice.

    1. Hi Helen,

      Thank you for your message.
      Unfortunately, we just have the one showroom in Sheffield. We have a very nice coffee machine if you do decide to make the trip!
      We can always send more photographs and timber samples out to you, however it is always best if you can try them out for yourselves.
      If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask. You can contact us via email [email protected] or call us on 01142721984.

      Kind Regards,

      Beth

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