Unless you’re buying a complete futon set, you’ll be making some important decisions on the type of mattress to complement your futon frame. However, many people tend to focus on the futon frame because of its aesthetic importance and overall ‘feel’ during the selection process, and while this does play an important role in the comfort and look of your furniture, the mattress plays an even more important role.

Choosing the right futon mattress can take time, and it is no different than choosing the perfect mattress for your bedroom set. Since the futon will likely be used for sleeping and sitting, you need to find something that will be comfortable for both positions in the long-term. Investing in a high quality futon mattress can improve your futon experience considerably and you need to factor in how it will support your weight, your posture, and also give you a good night’s rest when needed.

If you’re buying a futon mattress that will primarily be used as a couch, you will need a firm yet flexible mattress. These are generally made with a foam core, and few inner coils since they do not need to support you while sleeping. The Freshman Futon Cushion is a resilient and simple mattress that features two layers of cotton-polyester filling and offers firm cushioning and support.

If you’re choosing a futon mattress that will be used as a coach and a bed, you will need something more flexible. An innerspring mattress is the best choice for this purpose, as it is flexible enough to fold up and store between uses, and will withstand the constant change and folding without losing firmness. A great example of a quality futon mattress for this purpose is the Otis Moonshadow Futon Cushion. It is build with high grade 2.0 density foam that’s wrapped in polyester, giving it a super-plush feel for sleeping on, that’s also comfortable to sit on when the futon is turned into a couch.

When choosing a futon mattress that will primarily be used for sleeping, you will need to focus on comfort and how the mattress may affect your posture. Well-known bedroom mattress manufacturers such as Sealy and Simmons also make specialty futon mattresses that can be a good match for this purpose. These mattresses are designed with dual or triple layers that alternate spring coils and foam, and can provide the extra support you need for a good night’s rest. Still, one of the best futon mattresses for quality sleep is the Fusion Velotec Futon Mattress. This mattress features a high-density foam core with a special polyester shielding for extra support. It also comes with a 16-year manufacturer’s limited guarantee to provide you with years of superior comfort.

Futon accessories will help bring your futon to life, and will transform your living space into something unique. Futon pillows can dress up a room to create a luxurious ambiance, or just match the décor and design of your room to complete the ensemble. Futon pillows are available in a variety of colors, styles, sizes, and shapes so you can mix and match the pieces to your liking. Here are a few tips when decorating your futon with pillows:

1. Mix solid pillows with printed futon covers. If you’ve chosen a printed futon cover, it’s a good idea to mix solid pillows that match any accent colors on the print. For example, a futon cover designed with yellow flowers on a black background could be complemented with matching yellow bolsters, gold-colored pillows, or a few oversized yellow cushions to balance out the look.
2. Mix printed pillows with solid futon covers. Add some personality to a block-colored futon cover with a set of printed pillows. Top trends this season include black and white combinations, oversized floral prints, and simple geometric designs in red, black, purple, and dark blue. Any combinations that match the look of your living space or bedroom can easily make the futon a focal point.
3. Use pillows to balance out a room. If you have pillows on other pieces of furniture such as sofas, loveseats, or even some dining chairs, consider throwing a few of these cushions and pillows onto the futon. This can ‘tie in’ your futon with the rest of the furniture, and is especially helpful when you cannot find additional pillows or cushions from previous collections.
4. Go for variety. You don’t have to settle for the standard square and rectangle pillows to accessorize your futon. Consider bolsters, round cushions, and even miniature pillows to scatter across your futon for a unique look. Some bedding sets now come with matching pillow sets that you can use to accent a bed or sleeper sofa with ease.
5. Use at least two pillows. One pillow on each side of the futon is the standard setup, but you can experiment with additional pillows to create a more comfortable and cozy space. Consider staggering different sized pillows across the futon, or create a ‘cluster’ of pillows on each side.
6. Try oversized pillows. The oversized and plush look is becoming increasingly popular for modern and contemporary furniture, and you can make the most if it by adding oversized pillows and cushions to your futon. Look for pillow covers in rich fabrics such as suede, velvet, and rich leather. They can quickly freshen up an older frame style into something more modern.

Futon pillows are a necessary accessory to complete your futon, and many are available as a set with the futon cover. However, there are still many ways to customize your look with a mix of pillows, bolsters, and unique pillow cover fabrics. Experiment with different colors and designs to find the right match!

Your futon mattress is an important part of your entire futon set, and needs to be well-maintained throughout the course of its lifetime so you can enjoy it as if it was brand new each and every day. The futon mattress needs to be kept clean and well-plumped as you turn it from sofa to bed, day in, day out. If you are sleeping on the futon mattress on a regular basis, you’ll need to take extra steps to prevent it from wearing out. Here are some tips on making your futon mattress last:

1. Rotate the mattress once per month. Turning your mattress around 180 degrees each month can help balance out the pressure; this will slow down the ‘wearing down cycle’ of your mattress, and allow you to enjoy optimal comfort, cushioning, and support. All you need to do is rotate the mattress so that each side receives the same amount of pressure throughout the course of the month.
2. Flip the mattress once per month. In addition to rotating the mattress each month, you can alternate with a complete flip. This is especially important if you are using the futon mattress as a bed, as the mattress can wear down very quickly with ongoing use. Flipping the mattress gives you a soft cushion to sleep on each month, and can reduce the rate that your foam or coils will wear out.
3. Sleep on just one side. Many people make the mistake of sleeping in the middle of their mattress, but this can easily wear out the entire mattress much more quickly. If you choose just one side to sleep on, you’ll have a chance to rotate it and make the most of each side. When you flip the mattress, you’ll also be able to even out the pressure and ‘refresh’ the entire piece.
4. Use a mattress topper. Mattress topper and mattress pads can help absorb dirt, dust, oils, and also resist pressure. You can use a mattress topper to preserve your mattress and prevent extra wear and tear for the long-term.
5. Keep it fresh and clean. The easiest way to clean a cotton-covered futon mattress is to simply sprinkle it with baking soda or vacuum-freshener granules, and then vacuum clean it. You will need to do this at least once per week to keep it looking as good as new.
6. Keep the futon mattress even. You can dot his by laying the mattress down on a flat surface and punching out any uneven areas. This will prevent sagging, and give you a much flatter and more comfortable surface to sleep and sit on.
7. Roll up the mattress at least once per month. This will increase its flexibility and acts as quick refresher. This is especially important if you are using the futon primarily as a sofa and the mattress does not get moved around very much.

Making your futon mattress last is a valuable way to protect your futon mattress. You can enjoy years and years of comfort with just a few simple habits that will prevent unnecessary wear and tear; just keep up with a schedule of rotating and cleaning, and you can maximize your investment with ease.